What To Know About Oral Cancer
At Parker & Pennington Dentistry, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve lasting oral health. This is why we frequently remind them about the importance of receiving routine oral hygiene examinations and cleanings as recommended by our team. We recommend that most of our patients visit our office for an examination every four to six months, depending on their needs and their oral health. Aside from cleaning teeth, during these visits, we look for issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of head, neck, and throat cancer that can be anywhere in the mouth, oral cavity, lips, and throat. With routine dental care, we can detect oral cancer early to get patients the treatment they need as quickly as possible. Between visits to our office, it is also important that you inspect your lips, mouth, and throat for signs of oral cancer. You can do this by simply looking at the area, or you can also use your tongue to feel around your lips, mouth, and cheeks to see if there are any imperfections or areas of concern. It is extremely important that you contact our office if you notice anything that does not seem normal. You should be looking for changes such as:
- Mouth or lip sores that do not heal
- A hard spot or lump
- Recurring bad breath
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Who is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but there are certain individuals who have a higher chance of developing this disease, for instance, anyone with an immediate family member who has been affected by oral cancer in the past. As with many other types of cancer, smokers and tobacco users are at a greater risk of developing this disease. Patients who are regularly in the sun and do not use sunblock on their lips and those who visit tanning beds are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
It is important to prioritize your oral health. If you are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above or are in need of an oral hygiene examination or cleaning, we recommend calling our office located in Jacksonville Beach, FL to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!
