An early sign of oral cancer is difficult to spot and can easily be overlooked. Detecting oral cancer is a duty for the dentist as part of a dental check-up appointment. They are the best place to detect any cancerous cells forming as they can develop in a number of places including the lips, inner lining of the cheek, tongue and gums.
Oral cancer carries significant warning signs that you are not doing enough to look after your oral health. Early detection is crucial to overcome it without any major impacts to your mouth.
Typical warning signs include:
- Thick sores, lumps and patches in and around the mouth or throat
- A lump feeling inside the throat
- Pain and tenderness in and around the mouth
- A stiff jaw or tongue when chewing, talking and swallowing
- Teeth becoming loose unexpectedly
It isn’t necessarily clear on the exact cause of oral cancer, but poor oral health habits and lifestyle choices play a key part in putting yourself at risk of this disease.
If you’re concerned that you’re showing signs of oral cancer, contacting the dentist is the first thing you should do as they are best placed to determine the next steps to diagnose it. Sometimes, showing signs of oral cancer can be a good thing for those who neglect their oral health. The dangers to your overall health are too severe to ignore and you’ll be required to take immediate action.
Therefore, if you’re showing early signs of oral cancer, there are helpful tips to prevent it from getting worse.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Are you neglecting visits to the dentist? There may be a multitude of reasons why you are. You could be anxious about your visit or too embarrassed to smile due to degrading teeth. The dentist will always ensure that your visit is as comfortable and relaxing as possible and only want what’s best for your oral health, no matter the state of it. Regular dental check-ups as essential because they can easily detect oral cancer warning signs and refer you for immediate treatment if required.
Stay Clear of Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer through white ulcers called leucoplakia that grow cancer cells in the mouth. The chemicals used in cigarettes cause genetic changes to mouth cells that lead to developing oral cancer. Ensure that you attempt to reduce the number of cigarettes as soon as you can or even better, quit altogether.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Just like smoking, the longer you consume alcohol the greater risk to your oral health. Alcohol breaks down the defences that protect your teeth from health dangers. The chemical ingredients used within Alcohol increases the chances of oral cavity cancers by at least two to three times. In moderation, alcohol is not considered risky compared to excessive intake.
Practice Oral Hygiene
A basic yet simple solution in reducing oral cancer is practicing the important oral hygiene steps. Brush and floss teeth regularly to keep food debris clear from teeth as debris can get stuck in teeth causing plaque build-up.
The oral cavity cancers are not easy to spot away from the dentist. Oral Cancer should not be treated as something minor. It is a major concern if you’re showing signs and requires emergency treatment to avoid it manifesting into something dangerous to your overall health and wellbeing.
Get your oral cancer check-up today at your local dentist. Contact us today and we’d be happy to help.
