Oral Cancer Explained By Your Charlotte Dentist

Oral Cancer Checks Are Part Of Your Routine Dental Visits

  • Increase the likelihood of a better prognosis
  • Early detection is key
  • Pain-free and efficient
  • Gain peace of mind
  • Performed during your routine visit.

As your dentist in Charlotte, we want you to know about oral cancer and the risks it poses to your health. For most people is a scary word. But when it comes to mouth cancer, we want you to know that we can spot the signs early during a routine checkup, which is key to a higher survival rate and positive outcome. Our reference to oral cancer includes soft tissues of the tongue, cheek, tonsils, lips, salivary glands, soft palate, and pharynx (muscular, hollow tube).

Common Oral Cancer Symptoms

  • Breathing issues
  • Constant cough
  • White or red patches within the mouth
  • Bumps or swollen lumps
  • Numbness or bleeding
  • A hoarse voice
  • Pain in the ear
  • Trouble swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw
  • Change in how teeth come together.

If you notice any of these changes, act right away and give us a call. We’ll conduct a thorough oral cancer to get to the bottom of it.

If you’re wondering what can cause oral cancer, we’ve got a list for you. By being aware of them, it will help you understand your risk level.

  1. Tobacco use. This raises your chances of developing oral cancer six times.
  2. Weakened immune system. You may have a low immune system if you’ve undergone an organ transplant or have an autoimmune disease.
  3. Alcohol consumption. Alcohol enables harmful chemicals to penetrate the throat, esophagus, and mouth. And if you drink and smoke, then your risk goes up even more.
  4. If you’re missing out on fruits, veggies, and grains, your chances of developing oral cancer could be higher. Try to eat them every day.
  5. Because HPV attacks cells at the base of the throat and tongue, it opens the door to the formation of oral cancer.
  6. Too much sun. Sun exposure can lead to lip cancer. If you’re going to spend a lot of time outside, be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat with plenty of coverage, and apply SPF-protected lip balm.
  7. History of cancer. If you’ve had cancer in the past, for a specific period, then you are more likely to develop oral cancer. Your general practitioner or cancer specialist can provide helpful information and answer any questions you may have.

Concerned about any changes to your smile? Call us right away. We’ll examine your mouth and let you know what we discover.