Looking for ways to prevent an oral cancer diagnosis? When you understand the risk factors associated with this particular type of cancer, you can decrease your chances of being diagnosed. A few of the more common risk factors include smoking, drinking large amounts of alcohol, consuming an unhealthy diet and not exercising on a regular basis. Older men are more likely to be diagnosed than women.
Wondering what some of the signs associated with oral cancer are so you can check your mouth for the signs? It really is important for you to perform an oral check on a regular basis. If you do happen to find any signs of oral cancer, you need to see a dental professional for a proper diagnosis as soon as possible.
The earlier oral cancer is treated the better the outcome. Signs of oral cancer include sores that will not go away are lumpy spots, red patches, white patches and difficulty chewing.
The following is a list of five things that many people do not know about oral cancer.
Oral cancer occurs in stages. When in its precancerous stage it is easier to treat. The early stages mean the cancer is less than one and a half inches and has not spread to other parts of the body. The advanced stages mean that the cancer is more than one and a half inches or has spread to other parts of the body.
According to the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, two-thirds of all oral cancers are discovered in a late stage so the treatments are often times disfiguring and debilitating.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the main type of oral cancer people are diagnosed with nowadays. According to the Cancer Center, more than 90% of cancers that occur in the oral cavity are squamous cell carcinomas.
Oral cancers are more commonly found on the tongue, the tonsils, the gums, the bottom of the mouth and the throat. Those who smoke are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer on their tongue.
Treatment will depend on the type as well as the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include but are not limited to surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Since oral cancer needs to be treated in its earliest stages for ideal results, checking your mouth for any signs of oral cancer regularly is necessary. If it has been a while since your mouth has been checked by a dental professional, then make an appointment as soon as you can. They will let you know the current health of your mouth.
It does not take a lot of time to undergo a dental examination, which is a very important procedure when it comes to your good oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
The popularity of tooth-colored fillings keeps increasing among patients with cavities, as well as their dentists. In the past, they were only performed on the front teeth that were more visible. Today, it is possible, and increasingly common, for patients to have fillings that mimic the appearance of natural teeth in the back teeth as…
Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, are a prevalent dental problem. Composite fillings are one great solution to this often painful and sensitive issue. Composite fillings work to stop tooth decay in its tracks while still allowing filling recipients to maintain a more natural-looking smile, unlike other filling types.Composite fillings, composite resin…
Composite fillings are resin materials made with a plastic and glass mixture. Dentists began to use tooth-colored fillings in the 1960s, but they were too weak for the back teeth. Nowadays, the composite resin is strong enough for all teeth. Dentists may use the fillings to restore a decayed tooth or reshape a disfigured, cracked,…
Dental patients with chipped or broken teeth have more options for tooth repair than in the past, such as the use of composite fillings. These fillings can not only restore a tooth but also prevent the need for extraction, which can leave gaps in the smile and cause the remaining teeth to shift. They can…