While oral cancer is not one of the more commonly known forms of cancer, it is still prevalent amongst both men and women. Most people are diagnosed with oral cancer when they are above the age of 60, however it is not unheard of for it to occur in people who are younger. Unlike most cancers which are usually detected by your GP, did you know that oral cancer is mostly detected by your dentist Navan at a simple routine dental appointment, which is why it is absolutely crucial to keep on top of all your dental appointments, making sure to visit your dentist at least twice every year.
What is oral cancer and what causes it?
Oral cancer is also known as mouth cancer. It mainly occurs in the mouth, gums, the upper palate, tongue and the inside of the cheeks – these are the areas that make up the oral cavity. Oral cancer develops due to mutations in the DNA of cells located inside the mouth or on the lip. When the mutation occurs, the DNA continues to cause cells to multiply and divide forming abnormal cells which turn into a tumour. Over time, these can accumulate and migrate to other surrounding regions such as the head, throat and neck.
While the ultimate cause of oral cancer is still unknown, there are many factors which increase your risk of developing the cancer; these include:
- Using tobacco products such as cigarettes. It is important to avoid chewing on tobacco too as this contributes to developing cancer
- Prolonged sun exposure to your tongue or lips
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- The HPV virus which is transmitted sexually
- A compromised immune system
- Poor oral hygiene and health
Unfortunately, not enough people are educated on the importance of oral health and hygiene and the implications that come with neglecting your teeth and gums. Did you know that poor oral health has a negative impact on the rest of your body and is actually linked to developing severe health issues such as coronary heart issues, strokes and even cancer?
This is why it is essential that you stick to a strict oral hygiene regimen to ensure that you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In turn, this will decrease your risk of developing oral cancer, and other common dental infections and diseases. It is important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and to rinse out your mouth after each meal with a fluoride rinse to eradicate any food residue that can come into contact with harmful bacteria. It is also imperative to live a healthy lifestyle that is free of tobacco, limited in alcohol consumption and sugars and starches as these factors contribute to poor oral health. But above all, we believe the best way to ensure your mouth remains healthy is by visiting your dentist regularly.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
There are several signs to suggest you may have oral cancer, and we recommend that you check for them frequently so you can contact your dentist for confirmation straight away. Common signs of oral cancer include:
- Sores located on the lip or in the mouth that do not disappear within a week or so
- White or red patches inside the mouth that do not disappear
- A noticeably new lump or bump in your mouth
- Sudden difficulty in swallowing
- Loose teeth with no other symptoms of gum disease
How can my dentist detect signs of oral cancer?
As mentioned above, it is crucial that you visit your dentist on a regular basis; this does not entail undergoing invasive procedures, but rather for check-ups as it is at these appointments that dentists most commonly detect signs of oral cancer. By visiting your dentist regularly, they will be able to identify early signs of the cancer and refer you for treatment straight away making it easier to treat had they noticed it in its later stages.
If you have flagged to your dentist that you have noticed signs to suggest you may have oral cancer, they will carry out an oral cancer screening which involves looking into your mouth to check for mouth sores or patches and using their fingers to check for lumps or lesions. If your dentist suspects that you are displaying signs of oral cancer, they may also use an oral cancer screening dye which will stain abnormal cells in your mouth blue, making them more apparent for a biopsy to be taken. Furthermore, they can use an oral cancer screening light which will darken the healthy cells in your mouth and make any cancerous cells appear white. Based on their results, your dentist can then refer you to an appropriate healthcare provider who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.
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