Oral cancer is not a condition anyone wants to have. This disease can be serious and come with significant consequences. People with oral cancer can experience severe pain and discomfort. It may be difficult to eat, drink or even speak clearly.
Your dentist has the knowledge and training to examine your mouth and detect oral cancer if you have it. You should not wait until the disease has spread or gotten worse. Make sure you speak to your dentist the next time you have a checkup about screening for this disease.
Cancer of the mouth mostly affects people in their 50s and 60s, though younger patients can also get the disease. People who have this cancer develop tumors in the mouth and can also have yellow and white sores in this region. It can also affect the person’s lips, tongue, cheeks, sinuses and pharynx. If a dentist or doctor does not identify the disease early, it can be life-threatening. The disease can cause pain in the jaw and neck as well as difficulty swallowing.
Tobacco use is one of the biggest culprits of this type of cancer. People who smoke, use or chew tobacco have a much bigger risk of getting the disease than people who abstain from the substance. People who are out in the sun and have prolonged exposure on their lips can also develop this form of the disease. Also, patients who have had radiation treatment before for other types of cancers affecting the head or neck are more likely to get oral cancer.
A doctor or dentist can examine a patient for oral cancer. This is a simple procedure where the doctor will look at the person’s gums and other mouth tissues. The doctor will pay attention to lumps or sores, both with the naked eye and by using light. If the doctor detects any concerns, a biopsy will be ordered.
People should visit a general dentistry professional every six months for routine exams. At these appointments, the general dentist will take X-rays, examine the teeth and gums, and look for cavities, infections, plaque, tartar and other conditions. Patients who are at risk for cancer of the mouth should ask the dentist to be mindful of the signs of the disease. The dentist can incorporate this screening into the regular examination.
You should not put off an oral cancer screening test, especially if you in a category that is more prone to the disease. The sooner your doctor identifies the issues, the greater chance you have of conquering the condition and enjoying improved health and wellness. Cancer of the mouth can be painful and make it difficult to eat or speak. Your dentist can do a screening at your next appointment and recommend an effective treatment plan if you do have the disease. Call your dentist today, so you can schedule your next visit.
Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Having dental implants can correct tooth loss, which is the primary reason for getting these dental replacements. Other reasons for getting them may determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Knowing if you are a good candidate for dental implants can help you prepare well for your next appointments. Here are the…
Seeing your family dentist for regular checks and treatments can maintain or improve your dental health. You can avail of basic treatments during your visits. Knowing what each one is can help you make informed decisions. Here are the common treatments that you can get from your family dentist.Cavities may worsen over time. Dental decay…
Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, it can be overwhelming to learn about the details of the entire process. In addition, it is normal to have questions about the procedure. This article will review the most commonly asked questions and help you determine if this procedure may be…
Dental implants are an effective replacement for missing and damaged teeth. There are, however, some factors that may cause implants to fail. If you have noticed the signs of failing implants — such as severe pain, trouble chewing, and gum inflammation — it is important to consult a dentist to curb the problem. This article…