Table of Contents

• What is Oral Cancer? 
• Early Symptoms of These Cancer Variants
• How Your Dental Team Identifies Potential Cancers
• Appropriate Next Steps Following An Oral Cavity Cancer Diagnosis
• How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cavity Cancers
• Your Trusted Dental Team in Arden, NC

Regular dental checkups offer your trusted dental team the chance to identify a variety of oral health ailments. Your hygienists ensure your gums are healthy, there are no signs of cavities, and you’re following appropriate oral hygiene practices. But one thing they may look for that you’re not considering is signs of oral cancers. 

In 2023, over 50,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with a form of oral cavity cancer. As e-cigarette products become increasingly popular, the risk of developing cancers, including oral variants, may rise. While you might not realize it, attending regular dental checkups is a great way to catch these cancers before it’s too late.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and our team at Arden Family Dental wants you and your loved ones to protect themselves against devastating oral cavity cancer diagnoses. If you want to learn more about how regular dental checkups can keep you safe, keep reading. 

What is Oral Cancer? 

Oral cancers have several variants, including tongue, lip, cheek, and pharynx. These cancers appear as growths within the mouth that don’t go away and, in some cases, grow exponentially, making it difficult to eat, drink, and speak. Of these oral cavity cancers, tongue cancer is the most common, accounting for about 40% of diagnosed cases. 

Individuals between 55 and 64 are at the highest risk of developing this cancer and are, on average, diagnosed at age 64. While oral cavity cancer diagnoses can be distressing, it has a 5-year survival rate of 69%, up from 54% in 1975. However, to treat these cancers, it is essential to understand the earliest symptoms and treatment options. 

Early Symptoms of These Cancer Variants

The symptoms you’ll experience will vary based on the type of oral cavity cancer you’re experiencing. However, there are a few clear signs you can look out for if you believe you’re dealing with a cancerous growth, including: 

• Lip and mouth sores that don’t heal
• White or red patches inside your mouth
• Loose teeth with no explanation 
• A growing mass in your mouth
• Difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking
• Mouth and ear pain 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential that you reach out to a trusted oral care provider, including your dental team, for support. With their support, you can determine whether you’re experiencing oral cancer and what your appropriate next steps should be. 

How Your Dental Team Identifies Potential Cancers

During their training, your dentist and dental hygienists are taught to identify the earliest signs of oral cancer. When you attend your twice-yearly dental cleanings, your team can catch these signs before they impact your everyday life. Some signs of oral cancers, including sores, may develop in places you don’t see.

You may develop sores on the bottom of your tongue or the back of your mouth, which can be difficult to see independently. Your dental team can catch these while checking your back molars for signs of cavities or plaque buildup. Additionally, if you’re experiencing mouth bleeding without a gingivitis diagnosis, this may alert your dental team to underlying health conditions. 

Finally, if your dentures or dental bridges are no longer fitting properly, your dental team may determine this is related to potential oral cavity cancers. If they suspect oral cavity cancer, they may choose to perform an oral cancer screening or biopsies to determine what condition you’re experiencing and how to best move forward. 

Appropriate Next Steps Following An Oral Cavity Cancer Diagnosis

If your dentist believes you’re experiencing oral cancer, it is in your best interest to schedule an appointment with an oncologist. Your oncologist may perform additional tests to ensure an appropriate diagnosis, determine the severity of your cancer, and create a personalized treatment plan.

Your treatment plan will vary based on the type and severity of the cancer, but many patients will undergo additional surgeries to remove any remaining masses and reconstruct affected tissue, radiation, and chemotherapy. After treatment, you’ll need to schedule follow-up screenings. In the first year, you’ll visit your oncologist every 1-3 months. 

In the second year following diagnosis, you’ll visit every 2-6 months, and between years three and five, you’ll visit every 4-8 months. If you’re cleared after the five-year mark, you should still schedule oral cancer screenings every year to ensure there are no new growths or signs of potential cancers. 

How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cavity Cancers

While oral cavity cancers can be intimidating, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them. The best steps you can take to keep yourself safe from this cancer includes: 

• Avoid using tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes.
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid HPV infection and consider getting appropriate HPV vaccines
• Limit exposure to UV radiation and wear SPF
• Eat plenty of vitamin-rich foods
• Schedule regular appointments with a trusted dental team

While you cannot completely eliminate your risk of developing oral cavity cancers, taking these steps can help you reduce your risk greatly. With lifestyle adjustments and regular dental care, you can trust that you’re doing everything possible to keep yourself safe. 

Your Trusted Dental Team in Arden, NC

Oral cancer diagnoses can be scary, but by taking proactive steps and attending regular dental cleanings, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. If you’re looking for a dental team in the Arden, NC, area to help you protect your oral health and catch early signs of oral cancer, turn to our team at Arden Family Dental for support. For years, our team has provided expert dental care to patients across the area. With our training and experience, we’re confident that we can help you achieve your best oral health. 

If you would like to learn more about how our team can help you reach your best oral health or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.