Oral cancer is also known as mouth cancer. It is an uncontrollable growth and spread of unhealthy cells. It usually appears as a sore in the mouth that spread surrounding areas like gums, salivary glands, inner cheeks and throat.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer:
– A sore in the mouth that does not easily heal
– Persistent mouth pain
– Lump or bumps in the cheek
– A white or red patch in the mouth
– Difficulty chewing or swallowing
– Dentures fit poorly
– Unexplained weight loss
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer:
– Oral cancer is twice as common in men than in women
– Over age 55
– Smoking cigarettes is a massive risk factor.
– Alcohol consumption can increase your risk.
Prevention of Oral Cancer:
– Don’t smoke or quit smoking
– Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
– Visit dentist regularly
– Eat cancer-fighting foods like cabbage, broccoli and green leafy vegetables
– Conduct a self-exam at least once a month,
– using a handy mirror, examine your mouth for red, gray or white patches. Feel for unusual lumps or bumps in tongue or gums.
We carry out mouth cancer screenings at each dental visit.