Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects over 50,000 Americans every year, according to the . When caught early, oral cancer is treatable. However, if left undetected, it can progress at an alarming rate. It’s important to visit our Shelby Township, MI, dentists for regular oral cancer screenings to make sure you stay healthy.
Here’s what you should know about the and factors that can put you at an additional risk of developing the condition.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
can be difficult to detect, as many times the patient doesn’t exhibit any symptoms until the disease is in its later stages. That’s why it’s so important to keep tabs on the health of your mouth and take note of anything that looks or feels “off”.
For reference, common oral cancer symptoms include:
- Sores in or around your mouth that won’t heal
- Abnormal and “velvety” white or red patches inside your mouth
- Lumps or bumps forming inside your mouth
- Swelling or thickening of your mouth tissue
- Persistent bleeding
- Numbness or pain in the mouth, jaw, or ear
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty swallowing
If you experience any of these symptoms, call our dentists right away. We’ll perform a thorough oral examination of your mouth to check for any abnormalities and can help you with the next steps. Making an appointment as soon as you notice something unusual allows us to potentially get ahead of the issue before it worsens.
Learn More → The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Anyone can develop oral cancer, regardless of risk factors which is why our dentists encourage you to come into our Shelby Township dental office for regular checkups that include teeth cleanings and oral cancer screenings.
However, there are certain things that can increase your risk of oral cancer, including:
- Advanced age
- Tobacco use
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- High sun exposure (especially on the lips)
- Poor diet
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Family history of oral cancer
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeing our dentists regularly will go a long way towards helping you keep your mouth in good health. We recommend always wearing SPF protection on your lips when you’re outside, drinking responsibly if you choose to have alcohol, and stopping your use of tobacco products.
Make an Appointment Today
At the dental office of Jeffrey T. Baker DDS PC, we want to help you steer clear of oral cancer. To request an appointment with our , call us today at (586) 992-9222.
