It’s Oral Cancer Awareness Month and while regular appointments with your doctor and dentist in Johnson City are important all year round, April is the month to be reminded how imperative they really are.
It’s also important to note that most people have no idea that almost 45,000 people in America are diagnosed every year with some type of oral cancer.
Moreover, most of the same people don’t know how important regular dental checkups are. Firstly, they look after your teeth, secondly, they examine your oral cavity for cancer.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
In 2000 Dr. Angela Cameron was awarded the Richard L. Sullivan Award for Excellence in Dental Research for her work on early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma. As a result she can’t stress the importance of oral cancer and early detection.
Because Dr. Cameron is so passionate about early detection, she offers complementary cancer screenings for patients having comprehensive dental exams in Johnson City.
Every year Sophisticated-Smiles is invited to participate by the Oral Cancer Foundation or OCF and is so proud to be part of the campaign.
While most people know the dangers of tobacco use, most aren’t aware that gum disease can also put you in the high-risk category.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Tobacco Use
- Heavy Alcohol Use
- Gum Disease
- Being Over 45
- HPV or Human Papillomavirus
- Gender
- Being Overweight
- Poor Nutrition
- UV Light
- Genetic Syndromes
Other Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
In addition, some studies suggest that mouth rinses with high levels of alcohol could be linked to a higher risk for oropharyngeal and oral cancers.
However, there are some questions with the results because smokers and drinkers, who are already in the high-risk category for oral cancer, are more likely to use more mouth rinse than people who don’t drink or smoke.
Denture Irritation
Poorly fitting false teeth trap food debris and bacteria. For example, if your dentures don’t fit properly, the long-term irritation could cause problems to the soft tissues in your mouth. It’s also extremely important to have your dentures checked regularly if you smoke or drink.
Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms
- Mouth Sores that Will not Heal
- Chronic Bad Breath
- White or Red Patches
- Ear Pain
- Sore Throat
- Pain Numbness Tenderness in Mouth or Lip
- Hard to Swallow
- Difficulty Chewing
- Hard to Talk
- Difficulty Moving Jaw or Tongue
- Bite Changes
- Hoarse Voice
- Change in Voice
Some people with oral cancer say they have a chronic sore throat and also feel as if something is stuck in the back of their throat.
See Your Dentist During Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection is the key for survival. Consequently people with oral cancer live longer lives if the cancer was detected in the early stages.
Every comprehensive dental examination includes a complementary oral cancer screening for early detection also.
During your dental checkup in Johnson City, Sophisticated-Smiles will check your oral cavity, tongue, cheeks, neck, and throat for anything suspicious. If something is detected, such as a rough spot or white patch, a biopsy is usually taken for further examination.
Oral Cancer Screening Johnson City
If you haven’t been to your dentist in Johnson City, call, send a text or a direct message to Sophisticated-Smiles today.
Clearly it’s important that you do your part for Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Call and make an appointment today.
