Dentistry Saves: How to Honor Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Now that it’s April again, most folks are ready (and eager) to enjoy a vibrant spring. The weather outside is so lovely and mild – who wouldn’t want to take advantage? Still, don’t get too caught up in this season’s fun. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time for remembering the dangers of oral cancer. You should try to observe this occasion. To that end, here’s a primer on how to honor Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Note Oral Cancer’s Risk Factors

You’ll want to note oral cancer’s potential risk factors. These things can put you at high risk of cancerous mouth cells. If you don’t know about them, you’re more likely to be in danger.

Oral cancer’s common risk factors are:

• Age – In fact, the odds of having oral cancer rise with age. People over 55 years old are especially likely to get it.
• Genetics – Biological males are at high risk of oral cancer. Plus, your chances increase if you have a family history of the disease.
• Tobacco & Alcohol Use – When you smoke tobacco, you absorb carcinogens that cause cancer. Similarly, ingesting alcoholic drinks helps those carcinogens enter your oral tissues.
• Sun Exposure Levels – Too much time in the sun can cause cancer in your lips.

Learn Its Typical Symptoms

Though oral cancer can be life-threatening, its symptoms often make it resemble less severe issues. That means you should always take the relevant signs seriously. These include:

• Bleeding sores on your lip or inside your mouth
• Lumps or thick patches in your mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Numbness, pain, or tenderness on your face
• Rough or crusty areas on your lips or gums
• Loose teeth

See a Dentist for an Oral Cancer Screening

You can’t simply diagnose yourself with oral cancer, even if you know its risk factors and signs. You’ll need to see a dentist (or another trained doctor) for a proper screening.

The oral cancer screening process is simple enough to grasp. First, your dentist will have you rinse with a cleansing solution. They’ll then use their tools to assess your mouth closely. Based on their findings, they’ll conclude the screening by making proper diagnoses and suggesting treatment options.

Don’t worry too much if your dentist concludes you have oral cancer. As it happens, they’re likely to catch the condition in its early stages – phases with an 80-90% cure rate. They can also refer you to a qualified cancer specialist when needed.

You better protect your mouth and life by honoring Oral Cancer Awareness Month. So, keep the facts above in mind as April continues.

About the Practice

DeAngelo Dental of Homer Glen is based in Homer Glen, IL. Led by Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo, our practice works tirelessly to care for its patients’ smiles. We offer custom treatments that span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, tailoring our work to suit your needs. Naturally, our office also performs oral cancer screenings at each dental checkup. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (708)-854-5912.