Oral cancer is a serious disease and dentist, Kevin J Daily can identify symptoms during a routine dental examination. Many people don’t think about oral cancer when they evaluate their cancer risk. There has been limited education on the risks or symptoms of the disease which actually increases a persons’ risk due to a lack of early detection. Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams can be the first line of defense in identifying the cancer before it has the opportunity to spread.
It is difficult to see inside of your mouth, which makes spotting symptoms of cancer nearly impossible to do on your own. It is much easier for a dental professional since they have the proper equipment and lighting. Additionally, they see hundreds of patients and know when something looks out of place.
Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Red velvety bumps. A dentist will look to see if there are any strange bumps inside of your mouth during a routine dental checkup. If some are found they will ask questions to determine if further investigation is necessary.
- Hard bumps or lumps. If a hard lump develops inside of your mouth, you may notice it. If so, tell Dr. Daily. He will examine it and determine if it should be biopsied. If so, an oral surgeon will complete the biopsy and send it to a lab so that they can determine if there are cancerous cells inside.
- Rough patches. The surface of your cheeks and gums are naturally smooth. After brushing your teeth, run your tongue along the inside of your mouth. If you feel a rough patch, it could be a cause for concern and should lead you to schedule an exam.
- Severe bleeding. If you are experiencing bleeding in your gums or mouth, you should call the dentist. It could be a sign of gum disease which can and should be treated right away. If not gum disease, oral cancer may be to blame.
- Teeth are moving out of place. As an adult, your teeth should not move unless they have been pushed. If they stop fitting together properly or your dentures feel out of place, a dental exam is needed to determine the root cause. If a growth is pushing on them, it will need to be biopsied.
There are several habits that increase a persons’ risk of developing oral cancer. Chewing tobacco is the main culprit by increasing the risk by sixty percent. This is a significant risk, making it important to avoid smokeless tobacco products. Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol increase the risk by six times and should also be avoided. Another known risk factor is overexposure to the sun. You can decrease your risk by avoiding these things. Simultaneously, preventative measures should be taken to stay in good oral health overall.
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash and visit your local dentist twice a year in order to stay in optimal oral health. This will help you avoid all types of oral health problems and provide Dr. Daily with the opportunity to identify any oral cancer symptoms, should they arise.
