Oral Cancer Prevention

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, affects nearly 35,000 Americans each year and kills around 8,000. While oral cancer may occur at any age and affects both men and women, it is most common in men over 40. Oral cancer can begin almost anywhere in the mouth- this includes the teeth, tongue, gums, top of the mouth, bottom of the mouth, inside and outside linings of the lips, inside linings of the cheeks, and sometimes even near the top of the throat. It is important to prevent oral cancer as a healthy mouth and oral cavity are essential for a healthy, functioning body. Below are some ideas to help reduce the risk of oral cancer. You may already be incorporating some of the ideas into you own life. Read on for our thoughts:

Tobacco use is the primary cause of oral cancer in both men and women and should be avoided. Tobacco use not only includes smoking cigarretes, but also cigars and pipes. Chewing tobacco may also cause cancer. It is best to not start using tobacco, but if you are a user, consult with your dentist or doctor to determine the best treatment plan available to help lessen or eliminate your use of tobacco.

Your risk for oral cancer increases with the amount of beer, liquor, or wine consumed per day. Someone that drinks three to four alcoholic beverages per day has an oral cancer risk that is twice that of someone that does not consume alcohol. To reduce your alcohol use, consult with a doctor or review treatment centers or groups in your area.

Sunlight exposure may increase the risk of mouth or lip cancer. Make sure you wear a protective chapstick or lotion when in the sun, especially for extended periods. And, Prevent the growth of bacteria and diseases in your mouth by brushing at least two times a day and floss regularly. Make sure to incorporate healthy foods into your diet and start or maintain an exercise routine. With the right mindset and determination, you can equip your body with the best tools possible to help prevent oral cancer.

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When Should You Call a Dentist

More often than not, people wait till it’s too late to call and make an appointment to see the dentist, yet if they have a cold, they do not hesitate to see their doctor. Proper dental care is just as important as your overall health. With that in mind, we’d like to take a few minutes and break down what falls under dental care versus dental emergency. Just as pneumonia symptoms should be taken seriously, so should some dental issues.

It is highly recommended by most dentists, including AffleckDental, to visit a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and overall exam. This is similar to preventive checkups you regularly schedule with a physician and should be given similar priority. There are of course other reasons to make an appointment with your dentist:

1)      If your gums bleed when you touch them or while brushing your teeth;
2)      If your teeth are loose or don’t seem to fit together anymore;
3)      If your gums are red, swollen or tender;
4)      If your gums pull or shrink away from the teeth;
5)      Bad breath that does not go away;
6)      Sores that last more than 2 weeks;
7)      Or for a general toothache.

These are all symptoms that when diagnosed soon enough can most likely be treated. There are also times when a person should seek emergency services, such as when a filling or crown is lost or if there as been an injury to the face, jaws or teeth. Irreparable damage can occur if any nerves are exposed for a long period of time. If you have any questions about whether or not you should make an appointment to see a dentist, give us a call and the staff at Affleck Dental will be more than happy to help you out.