Visiting a dentist every six months is imperative to maintaining long-term oral health. But did you know that dentists are trained to catch a wide array of systemic conditions simply by examining the many corners of your mouth? One of the most notable conditions dentists can catch is oral cancer, which can be potentially life-threatening if not caught early! As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, April is the perfect time to get your oral cancer screening in Lincoln completed and out of the way. Here’s why!
Early Detection Could Save Your Life
According to the American Cancer Society, only 29 percent of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. One of the main reasons why the mortality rate for oral cancer is so high (about 10,000 people die every year), is because of how often the condition is caught in the later stages of development.
Many people may not even realize it, but dentists are performing complimentary oral cancer screenings during your regular checkup. During your biannual exam, they keep an eye out for red or white patches, open sores and thickening tissue, all of which are potential signs of underlying oral cancer.
The sooner a dentist catches oral cancer, the easier it will be to treat the condition. Furthermore, catching oral cancer early can dramatically improve your chances of survival.
You Can Develop Oral Cancer with Even with NO Risk Factors!
While routine dental checkups are crucial to catching the early signs of oral cancer, it’s important to note that it doesn’t matter if you don’t currently have any risk factors for the condition. It’s true that using tobacco in any form and drinking alcohol excessively are the most influential risk factors, but genetics can also play a major role in your risk. For example, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer compared to women, and individuals over 45 are also at higher risk.
With that said, there are ways you can reduce your risk outside of discontinuing the use of tobacco and reducing alcohol consumption. These include:
- Wearing sunscreen and lip balm when spending time in direct sunlight
- Practicing proper oral hygiene
- Keeping a healthy and balanced diet
The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
While the best way to catch oral cancer is through biannual dental exams, it’s always a good idea to stay proactive in between dental visits. To do this, perform a monthly self-exam in your bathroom mirror. Keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms, including:
- Red or white patches in your gums, tonsils, tongue or inner lining of the mouth
- Lumps, bumps, abnormal growth or thickening of tissue inside your mouth
- Chronic sore throat, bad breath, ear/jaw pain or fatigue
- Numbness in the mouth or tongue
- Hoarseness or change in how your voice sounds
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
When it comes to catching oral cancer, prevention is truly half the battle. If you have not had your oral cancer screening performed yet, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Lincoln today!
About the Author
Dr. Amy Wenninghoff is always on the lookout for the early signs of oral cancer. When you visit her office, she’ll take the time to hear your concerns and help you take the necessary steps to diagnosing and treating any issues if they appear. To stay proactive and get your oral cancer screening completed, you can contact her at Williamsburg Dental’s Village Drive location through her website. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, you can contact her office at 402-420-2222 or schedule an appointment online through her website.