April Marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month!

BEING AWARE OF the symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer is extremely crucial. As oral health professionals, we are at the forefront of the fight against oral cancer, and we aim to enlist our patients to join us in this battle.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Oral Cancer

The primary risk factor is tobacco use, with regular, heavy alcohol consumption following closely. Oral cancer is twice as common in men as it is in women, and people over the age of 45 are at greater risk. Other risk factors include too much sun exposure (which can cause lip cancer), HPV, and poor oral hygiene. While children generally have a lower risk, this can rise if they start using tobacco, underscoring the importance of parents discouraging smoking or vaping in their children.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Symptoms of oral cancer encompass red or white patches in the mouth, a non-healing sore, unusual thickening in the cheek, an abnormal lump, numbness in the mouth or tongue, a constant sensation of something being stuck in the throat, persistent bad breath, and challenges in chewing or swallowing.

The Dentist Can Help

It's excellent news that survival rates for oropharyngeal cancers have been on the rise for the past 30 years. We can maintain this positive trend through awareness and early detection. Often, the first person to notice early signs of oral cancer is the dentist/dental hygienist during a routine dental check-up! Visits us a Lux Dental to help assess lumps and bumps inside the mouth.