Regular checkups and cleanings are essential to your health. These checkups can help prevent and detect cavities, early stages of gum disease, and even oral cancer. At Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, your health is of the utmost importance to us, which is why we urge you to participate in preventive care twice a year. In today’s blog, we are here to inform you all about oral cancer.
Preventing Mouth Cancer
Cancer can happen to anyone even when you keep up with your health. When it comes to oral cancer, some risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this form of cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption, smoking and other tobacco use, your diet, and genetics are all factors that contribute to developing mouth cancer.
Tobacco has carcinogens that naturally come from the plant itself. When it is burned during the smoking process, more carcinogens can develop. Frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of cancer due to how it breaks down in your body. A high-fat and low-fiber diet can contribute to your risk factors due to the harmful substances found within them and the way they break down during digestion.
There is no way to fully guarantee yourself from getting this form of cancer, but there are some factors that reduce your risk. Avoiding the use of tobacco, limiting your alcohol consumption, and keeping a well-balanced diet can help limit your chances.
Signs And Symptoms
Like all other forms of cancer, several stages can be presented with different symptoms. Some of the most common indicators include a sore throat that does not heal, a lump, or a white and red patch inside your mouth.
Other symptoms include:
Pain in the ears, mouth, or face.
Ulcers, chronic bad breath, and frequent coughing.
How The Dentist Can Help
Your dentist cannot treat oral cancer, but they may be able to detect it or notice signs of it early on. During your twice-yearly dental checkup, you will be thoroughly examined for any of the above signs. If you have noticed any unusual changes to your health, you should inform your dentist. One of these symptoms may seem odd, but pairing symptoms together could help your diagnosis.
If your dentist recognizes any of these signs, he may refer you to an oncologist. From there, your oncologist can officially diagnose you after a biopsy and other screenings. We know that going through this can be nerve-wracking. Seeing your dentist regularly can help ease your anxieties and diagnose problems as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Checkup Today
Catching oral cancer early is an important part of a successful treatment plan. Schedule an examination and cleaning by calling Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, today at (319) 364-7108. We also happily welcome patients who live in Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Hiawatha, and all nearby communities.
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