Oral cancer can appear in several places, including the lips, gums, cheeks, top or bottom of the mouth, tongue, and the middle region of the throat. Learning more about oral cancer and talking with your dentist can help you decrease your chances of developing it and help you identify and treat any early signs of this disease.

A Brief Guide to Oral Cancer

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can appear in different forms. For example, you might notice a sore on your lip or a lump or eroded spot in your mouth. Additional symptoms include problems chewing, swallowing, speaking, and moving your tongue as well as pain, tenderness, or red or white patches inside your mouth. If any of these symptoms persist for longer than two weeks, talk to your dentist about scheduling a checkup.

What are the risk factors?

Certain preexisting factors and current lifestyle choices may cause you to be more susceptible to developing oral cancer. For example, men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption, especially for those 50 and older, and any form of tobacco use, such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and vaping devices, can increase your chances.

If you already have a weakened immune system, incur a lot of sun exposure on your lips, or have contracted HPV, you may be a higher risk as well.

What are some prevention methods?

Prevent or decrease your chances of developing oral cancer by discontinuing the use of tobacco products. Limit your alcoholic beverages to one or two a day. Always wear lip balm with sunscreen or a hat that shades your lips when you’re out in the sun. 

To prevent oral cancer or early cancerous cells from spreading, keep up with regular dentist appointments, especially if you identify with any of the above risk factors.

What happens if my dentist finds something suspicious?

If your dentist discovers abnormalities within your oral cavity, you’ll need to have several tests and reexaminations to determine if the suspicious area is cancerous. Your dentist will strategize how to most effectively treat it, and prevent any spreading.

Make sure you’re scheduling oral cancer screenings at your regular checkups. Discovering this cancer early on can increase survival rates by 80%.

For a comprehensive oral examination and cancer screenings, visit Preventive Dental Services PC. This premier dental clinic offers general dental care, cosmetic dentistry, extractions, orthodontics, and emergency services throughout Homer and Barrow, AK. Call (907) 235-1286 to schedule an initial dental exam or visit their website to view their extensive list of services.