Understanding Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know

Oral cancer isn’t something most people think about until it affects them or someone they love, but awareness and early detection could save your life.

Oral cancer is any cancer that is found in the mouth, lips or throat. It can be especially dangerous because it is commonly not caught in the early stages. Surgery can be disfiguring and affect a person’s ability to eat or speak. It’s definitely something you want to avoid, or at least catch early.  

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase the risk:

• Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
• Sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
• A family history of cancer
• Poor nutrition
• Weakened immune system

It’s important to be aware of changes in your mouth and seek dental or medical attention for any of the following symptoms that last more than two weeks:

• Sores that don’t heal
• Red or white patches inside the mouth
• Lumps, thickening, or rough spots
• Pain or numbness in the mouth or lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Chronic sore throat or voice changes

Routine dental visits are your first line of defense. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of oral cancer, and we screen for it at every exam or teeth cleaning visit. These screenings are quick, painless, and could save your life.

Your best options for preventing this dangerous disease include:

• Avoid tobacco in all forms.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect your lips with SPF lip balm.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Practice safe sex to reduce HPV exposure.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and screenings.

Oral cancer can be a silent disease, progressing without obvious symptoms in its early stages. By staying informed and visiting your dentist regularly, you can catch potential problems early and take steps to protect your oral and overall health.

We can help.

If you have not been to a dentist in the last 6 months or have an area in your mouth you are concerned about, give us a call.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562

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