According to the American Cancer Society, there are nearly 50,000 new cases of mouth, throat and tongue cancer diagnosed each year, and the average age of those diagnosed is 62.
The dentists at Gentle Dental Family Care check for signs of oral cancer when you come in for an exam, which is why it’s very important to visit your dentist twice a year. The earlier you catch any signs of oral cancer, the better.
Here are some common symptoms of oral cancer that you can look out for on your own:
- Sores, irritation, rough spots, lumps, or red or white patches in the mouth
- Velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
- A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Hoarseness, sore throat or change in voice that does not go back to normal
- Ear pain
- A change in the way your teeth look or dentures fit
- Loose teeth
Major Causes of Oral Cancer
It should come as no surprise that tobacco is one of the main causes of oral cancer. All tobacco products including cigars, cigarettes, vapes, and pipes contain toxins and carcinogens, which are cancer causing substances. The more that a person smokes or chews tobacco, the higher their risk of oral cancer.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Besides brushing, flossing and seeing your Gentle Dental Family Care dentist regularly, quitting smoking and tobacco products, as well as reducing your alcohol consumption, is key to preventing oral cancer. Your Gentle Dental dentist can help offer resources and even suggest medications to help you quit. When you stop using tobacco, you’ll be at less risk for bad breath, gum disease, stained teeth and cancer. Self examinations of the gums, lips and teeth are also encouraged.
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, both that of your mouth and your overall well-being, trust in the dentists at Gentle Dental Family Care. The best way to check if you are exhibiting signs of oral cancer is by visiting your dentist for an exam. Your dentist will be able to identify any symptoms and send you to the right professionals for further care. Gentle Dental Family Care is the best dental practice in the Kew Gardens, Queens, NY 11415 area and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend coming into the office to book an appointment with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $99 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays. To set up your appointment give us a call at (718) 849-9797. We also welcome walk-ins, to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
