The rate of oral cancer is increasing. Even though oral cancer may not be among the most prevalent or lethal tumors, it may often be prevented or diagnosed early with the help of a dentist in Forest Lake, when treatment is less intensive and more effective.
Most of us are concerned with reducing bad breath and preventing cavities when it comes to oral health. Preventing oral cancer, which can affect the lips, cheeks, tongue, tonsils, and throat, typically takes a back seat to more urgent health issues. Unfortunately, knowledge of mouth and throat cancers, as well as how to spot and avoid them, is quite low. Here are a few recommendations to lower your chance of developing mouth cancer:
What is Oral Cancer?
Cancer on the lips, within the mouth, throat, or esophagus is called oral cancer, often known as oral cavity or mouth cancer. The two types of oral cancer are those that develop in the oropharynx or the oral cavity, respectively. The lips, cheeks, interior of the mouth, teeth, tongue, gums, and floor & roof of your mouth make up the oral cavity. Your tonsils and the base of your tongue are located in the oropharynx, which is the central part of the throat. Although the exact cause of cancer in a given person may not always be known, some lifestyle choices can raise your risk of acquiring oral cancer.
These lifestyle choices include using tobacco products, drinking alcohol, being outside in the sun, and taking precautions to avoid contracting infections like the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Age, sex, and heredity might all be risk factors.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
It is challenging to examine yourself for oral cancer since it can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, and throat. However, the following are some typical symptoms of oral cancer:
- Abnormal alterations in voice;
- Recurring earache
- Persistent throat pain
- Difficulty moving the tongue, swallowing, talking, or chewing
- Feeling as though your throat is being choked
- Flat tissue patches with what seems to be a velvety feel are sometimes red or white.
- In the oral cavity, numbness
- Discomfort or sensitivity in the lips or mouth
- Soft tissue that seems to be scaly, getting thicker, or crusty
- Not-healing wounds
- Swelling of the lips, throat, jaw, or mouth
- Abnormal lumps
It is crucial to disclose these symptoms to your dentist if you have them since, aside from oral cancer, they can be related to a number of other oral health concerns. Get help with oral cancer screening in Forest Lake right away if these symptoms don’t go away in 7 to 14 days.
Get the Help of Our Dentist
Although it can be challenging to self-examine your mouth and throat, your dental team will help identify minute indications of potentially serious problems. A screening for oral cancer is done by your dentist during regular visits. These brief, painless exams are essential to maintaining your oral health.
The oral cavity—including the lips, cheeks, lining, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of the mouth—is examined during an oral cancer screening near you. Your dentist will also look at the rear of the tongue, which is where it connects to the tonsils, soft tissues of the throat, and the mouth. In the final stage of the examination, the jaw and neck are felt for any anomalies. Dental x-rays may also be used to detect any cancer risk.
Your dentist near you will also examine the back of the tongue, which is where it attaches to the tonsils, throat, and oral soft tissues. The jaw and neck are felt for any abnormalities during the final step of the examination. Additionally, dental x-rays can be utilized to check for cancer risk.
Call Us Today!
Forest Lake Dental takes great satisfaction in our ability to spot and address any issues with your oral health, including oral cancer. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance. We are here for you!