The Importance of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings

At Jay Platt, DDS Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest level of dental care, including preventive measures to ensure overall oral health. One critical aspect of preventive dental care is regular oral cancer screenings. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and knowing how to perform self-examinations can be vital in early detection and successful treatment of oral cancer.

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk. Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and using smokeless tobacco products, significantly heightens the risk of developing oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about 80% of people with oral cancer use tobacco. Excessive alcohol consumption is another major risk factor, particularly when combined with tobacco use. The risk is synergistically multiplied when both substances are used together . Additionally, certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, are linked to an increasing number of oral cancers, especially in younger, non-smoking individuals . Age and gender also play a role, with oral cancer being more common in men and individuals over the age of 40. Moreover, prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to a higher likelihood of developing oral cancer. Family history of cancer can also be a risk factor.

It is crucial to be aware of the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer, since early detection has been proven to save lives. Persistent mouth sores that do not heal, lumps or thickening in the cheek, white or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, or a sensation that something is caught in the throat, numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth, chronic hoarseness or sore throat, and unexplained weight loss are all potential warning signs of oral cancer. Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking professional evaluation can be lifesaving.

Performing regular self-examinations can aid in the early detection of abnormalities. To perform a comprehensive self-oral cancer screening at home, start by examining your lips and face for any changes in color, texture, or the presence of lumps. Pull back your lips and look at the gums for white or red patches, swelling, or sores. Use your fingers to feel inside your cheeks for lumps or areas of thickening. Stick out your tongue and examine all surfaces, including the sides and underneath, for any changes. Tilt your head back to inspect the roof of your mouth and use your fingers to feel the floor of your mouth for irregularities. Finally, open your mouth wide and say “ah” to see the back of your throat and tonsils, looking for redness, swelling, or patches. This self-screening process can be completed in a few minutes and should be done monthly.

While self-examinations are essential, regular professional screenings by your dentist or oral surgeon are crucial. The American Dental Association recommends having an oral cancer screening at least once a year during your routine dental check-up. However, if you are at a higher risk due to factors such as tobacco or alcohol use, your dentist may advise more frequent screenings. These professional screenings can detect signs that may be missed during a self-exam and provide a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health.

Regular oral cancer screenings are crucial when it comes to maintaining not only your oral health, but your overall wellness. Early detection can save lives, making it important to be aware of the risk factors and signs of oral cancer. At Jay Platt, DDS Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we are dedicated to your health and well-being. If you have any concerns or would like to schedule an oral cancer screening, please contact our office. Together, we can take proactive steps to ensure your continued oral health.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us today. Your health is our priority, and we are here to help you every step of the way.

References

1. American Cancer Society. (2023). Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html.
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2023). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/hpv_oropharyngeal.htm.
4. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Oral Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-and-throat-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352903.
5. National Cancer Institute. (2023). Oral Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/hp/oral-prevention-pdq.
6. American Dental Association. (2022). Oral Cancer Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-cancer-symptoms.
7. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10927-oral-cancer.
8. American Academy of Oral Medicine. (2023). Self-Exam for Oral Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.aaom.com/self-exam.
9. American Dental Association. (2023). Oral Cancer Detection. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-cancer-detection.