Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in the mouth and throat. It has been linked to alcohol and tobacco use and HPV infection, and it accounts for nearly 3% of all cancers diagnosed in the US every year.

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for oral cancer, especially among men — due to deep inhalation, which brings carcinogens into contact with more cells in the lungs. This article will shed some light on why you should consider opting for an Oral Cancer Screening.

1) For Early Diagnosis

The importance of early diagnosis of oral cancer cannot be understated. Oral cancer can significantly impact one’s life both physically and mentally, so it is imperative that early signs are detected for warning. Signs to look out for include:

• White or red patches or blisters in the mouth that persist.
• Black spots on the tongue.
• Abnormal changes in your teeth alignment.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
• Persistent pain in the jaw.
• Ear pain.

Early diagnosis is important because if the cancer is detected early on, it has a higher chance of being successfully treated. It also helps reduce the risk of metastasis and recurrence.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, oral cancer can spread through your system.

2) American Cancer Society Recommends it

Oral cancer is the 8th most common form of cancer in the United States, with roughly 65,000 cases diagnosed yearly. This accounts for approximately 8% of all cancers diagnosed annually.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 10,000 people die from oral cancer each year. It also estimates 11,230 deaths from oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer in 2022.

While not as common as other cancers like breast or prostate cancer, it is crucial to know how to protect yourself against this life-threatening disease.

The society recommends tests including complete head and neck exam, Panendoscopy, and Biopsy, among others, in diagnosing oral cancer. It also recommends getting an HPV shot.

3) If You Have a Family History of Oral Cancer

Family history is a well-known risk factor for oral and pharyngeal cancer. Carriers of the facial clefting gene that cause hemifacial microsomia have increased risk for oral and pharyngeal cancer and other cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, and brain tumors.

According to BMC Cancer, a family history of head and neck cancer is a sign of an increased risk of oral cancer. The study was done using data from 689 cases.

Another study conducted in Switzerland and Italy on 956 cases also says that a history of oral and pharyngeal cancer is a strong determinant of the same. Various studies conclude that oral cancer tends to aggregate in families.

4) If You are Under Prolonged Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation leads to Vitamin D production in the skin. As a result, this leads to increased chances of developing oral cancer due to the damage done by free radicals and oxidation. Long-term exposure can lead to an increase in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which may be caused by inflammation and chronic irritation.

Due to prolonged sun exposure, the cells of the tissue lining the mouth can be exposed to damaging levels of UV radiation. This UV radiation is known as a carcinogen and is known to cause cancer in other parts of the body.

When exposed to these high levels of UV for prolonged periods, the cells mutate and form pre-cancerous lesions. Without proper protection from these carcinogenic rays, individuals are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

5) If You Are in the 40s

Studies have shown that those in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be affected by oral cancer than other age groups. This is because of factors such as the period in which they were born, generation, lifestyle choices, and the socioeconomic status that they may have been brought up in.

As well as the fact that their teeth and gums are aging, this large age group has a higher chance of suffering from oral cancer.

This is because of the increased risk of developing behavioral and environmental risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. These risk factors may explain why incidence rates increase with age. If you are above 40 and have symptoms such as tooth or jaw pain, lumps in the neck, difficulty swallowing, changes in speech, consider opting for an oral cancer screening.

The importance of preventative dental care is indisputable. With advances in dentistry, dental insurance assistance, and an abundance of affordable appointments, there are multiple opportunities to take the necessary steps to protect your oral health. Regular check-ups allow early detection and prompt treatment of dental problems.

Remember the good old adage “Prevention is better than cure?” More than anything, it applies aptly to dental problems. Read this article to discover the five reasons why regular dental check-ups are essential.

1) To Prevent Gum Diseases

Gum Disease (Periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that can lead to tooth loss. A few signs of gum disease are swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, and receding gums.

There are three different types of gum disease classified by their stage. The first stage starts with mild symptoms, while the third stage can lead to tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups are essential to keep gum diseases at bay.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, nearly two in five US adults have some form of gum disease. Meanwhile, studies link gum disease to chronic conditions like high blood sugar and heart disease.

Check if you or someone close to you has any of the following symptoms: Redness, swelling, bleeding gums, loose teeth, tooth mobility, bad breath, etc. If you notice any abnormalities with the gums, make sure to schedule a visit with a qualified dentist right away!

2) To Prevent Tooth Decay

Many do not realize how crucial dental check-ups are. However, the truth is that they are essential for preventing cavities and tooth decay. Preventing cavities and tooth decay is not just crucial for preserving our teeth but also for our overall health.

It can lead to heart disease, cerebral stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, or other chronic diseases. When we eat food with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, it turns into plaque which hardens over time on your teeth and leads to cavity formation.

Intermittent pain, aching sensation, and difficulty chewing on one side of the mouth are a few symptoms of tooth decay. Teeth may become sensitive to hot/cold food or drink. The condition may develop gradually over time, or there may be a sudden onset of pain, indicating more serious dental problems.

3) To Prevent Tooth Sensitivity

As seasons change, so does the tooth sensitivity. The cold weather can cause your teeth to be more sensitive. In such an instance, even brushing your teeth too hard can also do damage.

Even if your teeth don’t seem as sensitive as they usually are, Shelby Charter Dentist recommends that you go for a dental exam and cleaning at least once a year.

Some external factors that contribute to and worsen your sensitivity are smoking, alcohol, caffeine consumption, and stress.

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity include tingling sensations in the mouth/teeth, sharp pains during eating, bleeding while brushing or flossing, swollen gums, etc. If any of these symptoms persist, visit a dentist specializing in teeth cleaning.

4) To Prevent Bad Breath or Halitosis

It’s not easy to tell whether you have a temporary bad breath or halitosis, but it’s essential to know the difference. Halitosis results from bacteria buildup in your mouth and can lead to tooth decay, mouth infections, and gum disease.

There are many reasons for bad breath. Reasons for bad breath can be attributed to stomach ulcers and respiratory tract infections too. Stomach ulcers can produce acid that causes bad breath that smells like vomit.

Regular dental check-ups are the only way to stay on top of dental health since these appointments focus on identifying issues before they become more serious.

Another pressing issue is the impact of bad breath on social connections. Engaging with others and maintaining social connections can be embarrassing if you suffer from bad breath. Shelby Charter Dentist knows that it is the last thing you want to happen.

5) To Maintain a Good Smile

The importance of a lively smile cannot be overstated. A smile has the power to bring life to your life. It can provide both the person smiling and the person being smiled at with an instant sense of positivity.

Not only are smiles warm and welcoming, but they are also contagious. The more people smile, the happier the world becomes! Alright! That’s enough ranting on ‘Smile.’

In terms of dentistry, a good smile indicates that the upper and lower teeth meet in a straight line. Having such a tooth architecture will make people naturally want to associate with you as your flashy smile is perceived as a sign of a strong personality.

A big and bright smile is also an avenue for self-expression. With a perfect tooth architecture, you can come up with different facial expressions by showing teeth differently.