Oral health care involves more than brushing and flossing. Regular oral health screenings can play an important role in detecting signs of oral cancer early, when treatment may be more effective. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 8,200 people in Canada will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year.
Oral cancer screenings as part of comprehensive dental visits are a simple step that can help protect your health and give you peace of mind. Early detection matters, so keeping up with regular dental exams is an important part of maintaining your oral and overall health.
Oral Cancer: Locations and Symptoms
Oral cancer, sometimes called mouth cancer, starts in the cells of the mouth. Oral cancer is not limited to gums and the tongue. It can affect many areas in the oral region, including:
- Inside and outside of the lips
- Inside the cheeks
- Tongue
- Gums
- Tonsils
- Salivary glands
- Back of the throat
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Oropharynx (made up of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, middle part of the pharynx)
The most common symptom of oral cancer is an ulcer or sore in the mouth or on the lip that doesn’t heal. Oral pain that doesn’t go away could also be a sign of cancer. Other signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- White, grey or red patches (erythroplakia) on the lips or in the mouth
- A lump or growth on the lips, in the mouth or on the tongue
- Thickening of the inner cheek lining
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck (called cervical lymph nodes)
- Numbness or loss of sensation over the tongue or lips
- Swelling of the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Voice changes
Who is at Risk of Oral Cancer?
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, oral cancer is rare in children and young adults. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age and is greatest after 50 years of age. Generally, men are more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than women. The following factors can also affect the risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco use in all forms, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bidis and smokeless tobacco (including chewing tobacco), increases your risk.
- Alcohol use: chronic or heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, using alcohol and tobacco together increases the risk of oral cancer more than using either one alone.
- Oral lichen planus: an inflammatory condition that can affect the tongue, gums, mouth and skin, causing blisters that can increase the risk of oral cancer.
- Prolonged sun exposure and indoor tanning
Oral Exams are Key to Cancer Prevention
We encourage you to visit our dental office at least once per year for a comprehensive oral exam. If you notice an unusual area or symptom in your oral cavity, throat, or neck that doesn’t resolve in two weeks, please visit us as soon as possible.
During an oral exam, we’ll check the following:
- Speech and swallowing
- Mouth and gums
- Lumps or swelling on the neck, face and on the inside of the mouth (including the cheeks and lips)
- The floor of the mouth, tongue and roof of the mouth
- Tongue movements
- Salivary glands
Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth daily, consider quitting or reducing your use of tobacco and alcohol, using lip balm with UV protection and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Be Proactive about your Oral Health
Early detection of oral cancer can make an important difference. Along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular dental exams and oral cancer screenings can reduce your risk. Oral screenings allow us to look for unusual changes and address concerns before they become more serious. If it has been a while since your last dental visit, make your oral health a priority and come in for an appointment.