Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is cancer that occurs on any of the following areas lips, gums, tongue, : lining of cheek, roof of mouth, floor of mouth. When screening for oral cancer, your dentist will often note loose teeth, sores on your mouth or lip that do not heal, a growth or lump inside your mouth, as well as difficulty or pain swallowing.
Various risk factors can increase your chances of developing an issue in your oral cavity.
Risk Factors may include
- tobacco use of any kind
- heavy alcohol use
- excessive sun exposure
- a weakened immune system
There are various things you can do to decrease your risk of developing oral cancer. Reducing alcohol consumption and sun exposure as well as not using tobacco products can help mitigate your risk.
Smokers are at a 10 times increased risk of developing oral cancer than non-smokers. Smoking is also linked to an increased risk of 12 other types of cancer as well.
Early detection of oral cancer can improve your chances of successful treatment. Sometimes a surgery will be all that is needed to resolve the issue. Adults over the age of 20 should have an oral cancer screening every 3 years and adults over age 40 should be screened yearly. For more information, please find.
