Here at The Dental Centre Oakdale, we are huge proponents of ‘prevention is better than cure’, and when it comes to early detection, oral cancer is no exception. Most patients visit our dental practice in Oakdale to maintain the health of their smile, but few realise that regular dental checkups are also important for detecting serious conditions like oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the:
- Tongue
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Roof & floor of the mouth
- Throat
According to research, over 8,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year, and these rates are on the rise. We don’t want to scare our community, but we do want to play our part in educating our patients, as early diagnosis significantly increases survival rates.
Common Causes & Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Anyone can develop oral cancer. This disease does not discriminate by age or gender, but some risk factors do increase the chances of development, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use. Smokers are 3-6x more likely to develop oral cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- HPV infection is a growing cause of throat cancers.
- Prolonged sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer.
- Chronic, untreated gum disease and poor oral care.
- Those over 40 years of age with a familial history of cancer are at a higher risk.
Even if you happen to fall outside of these categories, it is hugely important that you attend regular oral cancer screenings for peace of mind.
Early Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Persistent mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal after two weeks
- Lumps, rough patches or thickening in the mouth or throat
- White or red patches on your gums, tongue or inner cheeks
- Unexplained bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking or chewing
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
If you experience any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks, please book an appointment at our dental practice in Oakdale.
Oral Cancer Screenings at The Dental Centre Oakdale
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless and non-invasive, so there is nothing to fear. During your routine dental checkup at The Dental Centre Oakdale, your dentist will examine your mouth, lips, gums and throat for any unusual lumps, sores or discolouration. They will also check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck and jaw and use advanced imaging to assess any suspicious areas in more detail. The whole process takes only a few minutes but could be life-saving.
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Book your oral cancer screening at The Dental Centre Oakdale today.
