What are risk factors for developing oral cancer? And what if I spot something abnormal in my mouth?
The term “oral cancer” encompasses cancer that affects any part of the mouth including the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, area under the tongue, and the roof of the mouth. Affected areas are often not visible to you when you look in the mirror. You need your dentist’s help to monitor your mouth and note any changes that could signify trouble.
What is an oral cancer screening? An oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental examination. This is part of your regular checkup that includes a cleaning. You should have a cleaning and checkup every six months, unless your dentist recommends more frequent cleanings due to a condition such as gum disease. During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will conduct a careful examination of the inside of your mouth and your tongue.
What is my dentist looking for during an oral cancer screening? Your dentist will look for any small red or white spots anywhere on the inside of your mouth including the insides of your cheeks, your gums, and tongue. According to the American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/, other signs of oral cancer can include a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a color change to your gums, lumps, rough spots, crusty spots, pain, tenderness, numbness, difficulty chewing or moving your jaw or tongue. You should be sure to report any changes you’ve noticed to your dentist during the examination.
What will happen if my dentist finds something suspicious during my oral cancer screening? According to the American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org/, if your dentist spots something that looks abnormal during your examination, he or she may choose to test the area. The ADA explains that your dentist may perform a brush test which “collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth. The cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If precancerous cells are found, the lesion can be surgically removed if necessary during a separate procedure.”
What are risk factors for developing oral cancer? Smoking and drinking alcohol dramatically increase your risk for developing oral cancer. Prolonged exposure to sunlight is also a risk factor. People who work outdoors are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer because their lips are exposed to sunlight all day long. Eating a poor diet that lacks fruits and vegetables is also a risk factor for developing oral cancer.
How can I reduce my risk for developing oral cancer? The combination of drinking alcohol and smoking is especially damaging and should be avoided. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol altogether is advisable to help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. Eating a healthful diet full of fruits and vegetables and low in fat will also help reduce your risk for developing oral cancer. Make sure to protect your lips when exposed to sun by wearing a lip balm that contains SPF.
It is important to know that oral cancer can and does occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors. This information makes it all the more crucial that you visit your dentist regularly for a checkup that includes an oral cancer screening.
