12 Apr 2021
man at the dentist

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so take this opportunity to learn more about how you can keep your smile healthy. About 54,000 people are affected by oral and oropharyngeal cancers, with that number increasing by about 1% each year. These types of cancers are more common in men. There seems to be no correlation between race or ethnicity and risk factors when it comes to oral and oropharyngeal cancers, but the biggest increase of cases is seen in non-Hispanic white men. About 10,000 people die every year from some form of oral cancer. Understanding this serious condition is the key to improving future diagnoses and treatments.

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are most commonly found in the tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, minor salivary glands, and the lips. When patients are first diagnosed with oral cancer, it is not uncommon for another type of cancer to be detected. Cancers that are typically seen with oral cancer include larynx, lung, and esophagus. Anyone diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer will need to have follow-up visits for the rest of their lives to help detect other types of cancers before they progress significantly. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer should avoid alcohol and tobacco products, which could advance their condition.

Symptoms of oral or oropharyngeal cancers include:

-jaw swelling
-a lump or thickening of tissue in the head or neck area
-problems attaching dentures
-unusual bleeding
-pain in the mouth, head, or neck

Oral and oropharyngeal cancers can cause a variety of issues that you may not immediately identify as cancer symptoms. These signs include:

-ear pain
-trouble breathing or speaking
-trouble chewing or swallowing
-persistent throat pain
-trouble hearing or ringing ears
-blocked sinuses
-headaches
-nose bleeds
-swelling around the eyes

Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing oral or oropharyngeal cancers. Smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, exposure to the sun, HPV, and a weakened immune system can all be contributing factors to oral and oropharyngeal cancers. To help combat these risk factors, make sure to follow a healthy lifestyle. Try to limit your consumption of tobacco products and alcohol, and wear sunscreen on your face, neck, and lips. Getting a professional check-up twice per year can also help protect you from oral cancers, and it can help you detect symptoms before they progress.

Regular visits to our Jupiter emergency dentist can help you protect you from oral cancer. Early detection allows for higher success when it comes to diagnosing and treating oral cancer. Make sure you are coming in every six months for a professional cleaning and examination. Not only will regular visits help keep your smile clean, but they will also allow our Jupiter emergency dentist to fully examine your teeth, gums, and neck. Our dental experts can spot the first signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer so that you can get the care you need as quickly as possible. Call our office to schedule your next visit with our Jupiter emergency dentist.