A kind of cancer that affects the mouth and throat is oral cancer. Among other areas of the oral cavity, it may show up on the lips, gums, tongue, palate, or inner cheeks. Understanding the dangers and symptoms of the disease is crucial for the early detection and treatment of oral cancer.

We are dedicated to teaching our patients about oral health at Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental in Kitchener, Canada. We also promote routine examinations to look for early oral cancer signs. We’ll provide you with crucial information on oral cancer in this blog post, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and potential treatments.

Although oral cancer often produces little pain or discomfort in its early stages, it might be challenging to identify in those stages. This makes regular dental checkups and self-inspections crucial.

Early detection is essential for effective oral cancer treatment. Hence, as soon as you notice any symptoms or changes in your mouth, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist.

The stage at which oral cancer is discovered affects the likelihood of survival. The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for oral cancer ranges from 90% for those with stage I disease to 39% for those with stage IV disease.

What Fuels The Growth Of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer, like all malignancies, is maintained by aberrant cell proliferation. Cancerous cells can develop in the mouth cavity and spread to other body organs. There are many risk factors for oral cancer, even though the actual etiology is unknown.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors Include:

1. Tobacco and alcohol use are both significant risk factors for oral cancer, with smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco being the two main offenders. Also, drinking alcohol raises your risk of developing mouth cancer, especially if you also smoke.

2. The sexually transmitted disease human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been associated to mouth cancer. HPV-16 is the HPV strain that has been linked to mouth cancer.

3. Lip cancer risk is increased by prolonged sun exposure.

4. Age and Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, and it is more prevalent in persons over 50.

5. Unhealthy Diet: Oral cancer risk may be increased by a diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables.

A Cancer Of Oral Tissues

Effective oral cancer treatment depends on early detection. It’s essential to take note of the following typical mouth cancer warning signs:

  • Changes in voice or speech
  • Blisters or sores that don’t heal
  • White, red, or splotchy spots on the tongue, gums, or mouth
  • Swallowing pain in the chest
  • Numbness in the lips and/or mouth
  • Jaw pain and swelling
  • Missing teeth
  • Problems with wearing dentures

Make an appointment with your dentist immediately if you have any of these symptoms or warnings.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment

A comprehensive mouth and throat examination, including worrisome tissue biopsies, is required to identify oral cancer. In the event that oral cancer is found, the following therapies are possible:

1. The malignant tissue and surrounding lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed.

2. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy: The objective of chemotherapy is to use medication to kill cancer cells.

4. In targeted therapy, drugs are precisely chosen to impact the proteins involved in the development of cancer cells.

Keeping Oral Cancer At Bay

There are things you can do to lower your risk of having the disorder, even though not all cases are preventable. They consist of:

1. Give up Smoking: If you smoke, stopping can greatly lower your risk of developing mouth cancer.

Reducing your alcohol intake can help lower your risk of oral cancer if you drink.

3. By using protection during sexual activity, the risk of HPV infection can be reduced.

4. You can lower your risk of developing lip cancer by protecting your lips with sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

5. Maintaining a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables will help lower the risk of mouth cancer.

Visit Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental To Arrange A Dental Exam

Regular dental examinations should be planned at Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental at least once every six months. Our dentist will carefully examine your mouth and throat throughout your examination to search for any indications of oral cancer.

We advise you to perform self-examinations at home and get routine dental exams. This is done to look for any abnormalities in your mouth and throat, such as sores, tumors, or red or white areas. Please get in touch with our office as soon as you become aware of any changes or abnormalities.

Conclusion

No matter your age or gender, oral cancer is a dangerous condition that can strike you at any time. By taking preventative actions and being aware of the risk factors and symptoms, you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. We at Kitchener Dentist Fairway Dental are dedicated to offering the best possible dental care to all of our patients. Please get in touch with us if you have any queries or worries concerning oral cancer.

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.