Tasting, chewing, talking, singing: our mouths play a vital role in our rich lives as humans. Oral cancer can diminish our quality of life and can even be fatal. What is oral cancer, and how can we prevent it? Your family dentist is a key player in keeping your mouth healthy, including preventing oral cancer.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancer of the lip, tongue, salivary glands, and other parts of the mouth. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, around 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Nearly 10,000 Americans die from oral cancer annually. Oral cancer is closely associated with other head and neck cancers, including cancers of the pharynx (back of the mouth), larynx (voice box), sinuses, and nasal cavities.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
The Oral Cancer Foundation notes that oral cancer has a relatively high death rate because it’s often diagnosed late in development. Early diagnosis is one way we can boost survival rates. The American Cancer Society identifies numerous symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away
- A lump or thickening in the lips, mouth, or cheek
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
- A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat that doesn’t go away
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness of the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
- Swelling or pain in the jaw
- Dentures that start to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- Loose teeth or pain around the teeth
- Voice changes
- A lump or mass in the neck or back of the throat
- Weight loss
- Pain in the ear
What Are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Age: most oral cancers occur in patients over 40
- Oral cancer remains more common in men than women, but the disparity is shrinking as cases in women rise.
- Tobacco use: according to OCF, 75 percent of patients diagnosed over age 50 have been tobacco users.
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
- Viruses, including HPV (human papillomavirus), are a common sexually transmitted virus. About 70% of cancers in the oropharynx (which includes the tonsils, soft palate, and base of the tongue) are linked to HPV, according to the CDC.
How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?
Experts agree that early detection is critical in beating oral cancer. Your family dentist plays an essential role in helping prevent and catch oral cancers early. Prevention tips include:
- Avoid smoking, smokeless tobacco, and vaping.
- Limit or avoid alcohol use.
- Protect your face by wearing hats outdoors and using lip balm with SPF.
- Talk with your doctor about the HPV vaccine for yourself and your teens.
- See your dentist every six months. Dental checkups are among the best ways to prevent and catch oral cancer early.
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Oral Cancer?
First of all, don’t panic. Many of the symptoms of oral cancer are also symptoms of other oral health problems. However, it’s vital to see your dentist right away. Your dentist is trained to identify signs of cancer and precancerous conditions. We perform a basic screening at routine checkups and use additional tests if something appears abnormal. At Greenhill Family Dental Care, much of our work involves cleaning and caring for your teeth for a beautiful, healthy smile. However, overall oral health, including cancer screenings, is a vital part of what we do. Trusted family dentists are often smile-savers and can be lifesavers, too.