Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? While many patients may not think about it, oral cancer is more prevalent than you’d think. In fact, it’s actually the sixth most common form of cancer in the world. In the United States alone, about 11,000 people die ever year. Since one of the most common reasons why people pass away from oral cancer is because it’s often caught in the late stages of development, a Bella Vista dentist is perfectly equipped to catch it before it causes harm. Thankfully, Combs and Associates Family Dentistry is taking the necessary steps to recognize the signs as soon as possible.
What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
Much like many issues related to the mouth, oral cancer can be difficult to catch on its own. That’s why routine checkups at our office are so important to complete. However, it also helps to perform self-exams every month just to stay proactive. If you notice any of the following signs, get to our office as soon as possible.
- Mouth sores that do not go away after two weeks
- Lumps, bumps or thickenings of tissue
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Sore throat or constant feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Lumps in the neck
- Persistent bad breath, even after brushing
What are the Risk Factors to Know?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, there are certain factors that put you at higher risk than the average person. If you have any of these risk factors, make sure to let our dentists know so they can keep them in mind during your exam.
- Tobacco use (including smoking, chewing or vaping)
- Excessive alcohol use
- Having HPV (also known as human papillomavirus)
- Extensive sun exposure
- Poor oral health
- Family history of squamous cell carcinoma (the most common form of oral cancer)
How is Our Office Fighting Back?
The good news is our office is doing everything that it can to catch the signs of oral cancer as early as possible. During your routine dental checkup, we perform a detailed examination to confirm the presence of oral cancer. You likely won’t even notice that we are performing an oral cancer screening during your visit. However, it just goes to show why routine appointments are so important in the long-term.
In the event that we catch an early sign of oral cancer, we’ll connect you with a general practitioner who can perform a biopsy of your oral tissue to confirm if cancer is present. The earlier you do, the easier it will become to treat your condition before it causes significant harm later on.
Have you scheduled an appointment with a Pea Ridge dentist for a routine exam yet? If not, call the office today and we’ll set up a time and day that works for you!
Combs and Associates Family Dentistry
Dr. Combs and Dr. Rubisch take all the necessary steps to catch any and all problems with your oral health as well as your overall health. Their comprehensive exams include a detailed oral cancer screening, which is fast, painless, and extremely thorough. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.