It is an estimated 53,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. It’s a frightening thought, but if it is caught early enough, it is likely to be treatable. But what exactly is causing cancer to develop in the mouth?
First, realize keeping a healthy lifestyle is best, but there are also risk factors to keep in mind. Excessive use of tobacco products is already bad for you, but if you have this particular habit, you have a high risk of developing some form of oral cancer in some area of your mouth. This is why it is important to pay close attention to any sores or patches in your mouth. Alcohol use and poor diet also play into oral cancer signs. Physical trauma and exposure to infectious disease are also ways you may develop symptoms.
The best way to stay on top of your oral health is to give yourself a quick exam every month. With a bright light and a mirror, follow these guidelines:
- If you wear dentures, remove them.
- Look and feel the insides of your lips and front of your gums
- Tilt your head and check out the roof of your mouth
- Tug your cheek so you can analyze the surfaces and back of your mouth
- Inspect all areas of your tongue
- Your lymph nodes to make sure they aren’t getting enlarged and there are no lumps
You are trying to find any type of persistent sores or growths that may cause you to have issues eating, speaking. If you feel you may have symptoms of oral cancer, make an oral cancer screening appointment with your dental professional.
For more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.
Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.