April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

by Dr. Dai on April 10, 2019

Oral cancer is a largely preventable disease that occurs when the cells in your mouth grow abnormally and cause either benign or malignant tumors. In 2017, approximately 4700 Canadians received a diagnosis of oral cancer.

That’s nearly 13 new cases of oral cancer per day! April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and there is no better time to talk about the signs and symptoms or oral cancer, and preventative steps you can take to keep your mouth healthy.

Oral Cancer Quick Facts:

1. Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancers.
2. People who are heavy users of tobacco and alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer.
3. While tobacco and alcohol use are risk factors, even non-smokers can develop oral cancer. The human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) is related to the increased development of oral cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancer.
4. Oral cancer has a mortality rate that surpasses breast and colon cancer mortality rates. This is due in large part to a lack of routine dental visits and early detection.
5. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly increase survival rates — up to 90%.

Symptoms:

In between regular dental exams, if you notice any of these signs or symptoms persist for more than two or three weeks, it is important to schedule an appointment with your Brampton dentist straight away.

1. Soreness or an open wound or sore on the mouth, tongue, roof of the mouth, or other areas of the oral cavity that won’t go away.
2. Red or white patches in and around the mouth.
3. Lumps, crusted spots, or rough areas in the oral cavity.
4. Pain, tenderness, numbness — particularly when chewing or swallowing.
5. A change in your bite (as if your teeth don’t line up properly).

Preventative Care:

Your local Brampton dentist does more than just clean your teeth and check for cavities. As a trained medical professional and an expert in oral health, your dentist is in a unique position to notice any irregularities in your oral health. In other words, your regular dental exam is the first line of defense in preventative care for and early detection of oral cancer.

To further minimize your risk of developing oral cancer:

1. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
2. Quit or reduce your tobacco and alcohol use.
3. Use sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 protection.
4. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily.

Your oral health can be a good indicator of the health of your entire body. By seeing your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene you can prevent oral cancer. There is no better time to schedule an oral health examination than during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information about our services and to schedule a consultation and examination, please feel free to contact Kennedy Square Dental at 906-789-7339 today!

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