There is a lot of attention on cancer – lung, breast, and skin are three that receive a lot of attention in the media. But did you know you can get cancer of the mouth? Oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat) is just as deadly if not detected early. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 50,000 Americans will get oral and/or oropharynx (throat) head and neck cancers in 2017. At Skyline Dental Arts we want to make sure your patients are aware of the warning signs and that oral cancer screenings are an important part of keeping you healthy.
Know the symptoms
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of oral cancer and get them checked out right away by your dentist. At Skyline Dental Arts, we offer oral cancer screenings. However, if you notice any of these symptoms in between your regular visits, please call us and schedule an oral cancer screening.
- a sore, or soreness or irritation that doesn’t go away
- red or white patches, or pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
- lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Risk Factors
It’s important to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. This helps keeps your entire body healthy, including your mouth and throat. Tobacco use and excessive drinking are two major risk factors for developing oral cancer, especially in men over the age of 50.HPV (human papillomavirus) cases make up approximately 60 percent to 70 percent of all tonsil and tongue-based cancers in the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 9,000 people are diagnosed with throat cancer caused by HPV annually.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of oral cancer, or haven’t had a professional dental exam in the past six months, call us here here at Skyline Dental Arts! Our experienced dental team will perform a detailed exam and discuss any problem areas that might be found.