Have You Been Screened For Oral Cancer Recently?
We do everything we can to help our patients have long-lasting oral health. This is one of the reasons we are extremely passionate about our patients regularly visiting us for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning. Children and adults should be visiting every six months; however, there are some patients who require a sooner visit due to existing conditions, such as gum disease. During these visits, we not only clean the teeth but we also look for problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. We often speak about looking for signs of decay and gum disease, but do you know how to check for signs of oral cancer? Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to share more about this common disease and the warning signs you should be looking for. Read on to learn more.
What is Oral Cancer?
Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to share more about this common disease. Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that can be detected anywhere in the mouth, throat, or oral cavity. You may be surprised to learn that oral cancer can also be found on your lips. We see you so infrequently during the year that it is important to check your oral health on your own. We recommend patients visually inspect their lips, tongue, cheeks, and back of the throat for anything that looks abnormal. It is extremely important that you are mindful of any changes you see. Things you should look for include:
- Sores on the lips or cheeks that do not heal
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Recurring bad breath
- Rough, white, or red patches on your cheeks and tongue that do not heal
Who is Prone to Oral Cancer?
There are certain individuals who are at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. These patients include those who:
- Smoke
- Vape
- Use tobacco products
- Have a family history of oral cancer
- Regularly visit tanning beds or sunbathe
If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above or it has been some time since your last appointment, we encourage you to schedule one at our office located in Kewaskum, WI. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
