In last week’s blog, we discussed the many ways that porcelain veneers can cosmetically benefit an individual’s smile, even with a variety of different blemishes. Because we have entered the month of April, also known as oral cancer awareness month, we wanted to switch directions and talk about the dangers behind the concern and the severity at which it can progress. That being said, your Northwest IN dentist will talk about the threats that arise from oral cancer, as well as what steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.

Oral Cancer Awareness

The month of April is dedicated to bringing awareness to mouth or oral cancer, as it can have a significant impact on a number of people. In fact, it can affect anyone of any age at any given time, include younger children, elderly adults, and anyone in-between. That being said, it is not a concern to be taken lightly.

Oral cancer consists of a mutation in the cells contained within our tissues that causes the cells to keep growing and dividing as opposed to dying like healthy cells normally would in the process. What’s more, it is considered cancer in any region of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth. While it is still unclear what exactly causes this mutation in cells, a number of activities have been proven to exacerbate the situation. For instance, use of tobacco or tobacco products, excessive sun exposure to your lips, heavy drinking, and transmission of the human papillomavirus all increase your chances of developing this concern. For more information about this process, contact our team today.

Symptoms and Complications

When an individual develops a mutation in the oral tissues, it often presents itself in a number of ways. For example, you could experience a red or white rough patch, a lip sore that will not heal, mouth pain, ear pain, difficulty swallowing, experiencing pain when swallowing, loose teeth, or even a growth or other noticeable abnormalities within the mouth. If you suspect that you are experiencing one or more of these signs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team today.

Checking During Your Visit

While there is no proven way to prevent oral cancer in its entirety, there exist a few steps you can take to help minimize the risk. For instance, when you come in to our office for your checkup and cleaning, you may request an oral cancer screening as well. During this process, our team will carefully investigate for any signs of abnormalities or symptoms that we mentioned above. In addition to this, you can also take steps such as ceasing use of tobacco, reducing alcohol intake, and avoid excessive sun exposure.

Schedule Your Next Visit

For more information or to schedule your appointment with our team, contact Healthy Smiles in Northwest IN by calling 219-938-2637 today.