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, accounting for nearly 3% of all cancers diagnosed in the US annually.

Cigarette smoking is the major risk factor for oral cancer, especially among men — due to deep inhalation, which brings carcinogens into contact with more lung cells. This article will illuminate 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 physical and mental life, so early signs must be 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 essential because if the cancer is detected early, it is more likely to be 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 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 that about 10,000 people die from oral cancer yearly. 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, knowing how to protect yourself against this life-threatening disease is crucial.

The society recommends tests including complete head and neck exams, 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. The facial clefting gene carriers that cause hemifacial microsomia have an 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 indicates 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. 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 increased 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 a carcinogen 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, their generation, lifestyle choices, and the socioeconomic status they may have been brought up in.

As well as their teeth and gums 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, or changes in speech, consider opting for an oral cancer screening.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by a condition that develops in the gum pockets of the teeth. It is a significant risk factor in tooth loss, and if not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. There are no single treatments for periodontal disease that will cure it. You need to follow a preventative regimen to help reduce the rate at which the disease develops and progresses.

It will be more challenging to recover from periodontal disease if you smoke. It could also be difficult to have diabetes or other medical conditions that weaken your immune system.

Early Signs And Symptoms

This condition is characterized by gum inflammation and bone loss around the teeth. The gums are the soft tissue covering the teeth and jaws and help hold the teeth in place. One of the first signs of gum disease is pain when biting down on food. This is called periodontitis.

In other words, if you can’t bite down on a piece of bread or a sandwich without feeling the pain, that’s a sign that your gums are inflamed. And if you feel pain when brushing or flossing, that’s another sign. If this is happening, it’s time to get to the dentist.

If you notice these common signs and symptoms, you may be experiencing periodontal disease. The early signs are often painless, and you may not see that your gums have become red, swollen, and bleeding. But, if you pay close attention to your teeth and gums, you might discover that they are starting to shift around or that your teeth and gums have begun to loosen.

Causes Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects your gums and your teeth. There are several causes for periodontal disease, one of the most common forms of gum disease. Periodontal disease causes include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and aging.

Your bone and connective tissue recede from the gum line as you age. This means there’s more room for bacteria and plaque to cause damage. Bacteria can also enter the tooth through dental fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and chewing gum.

If you’re a woman, you’re much more likely to develop periodontal disease than men. This is one of the reasons why the U.S. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) states that women should be screened more frequently for gum diseases.

Types Of Periodontal Disease

Six different types of periodontal disease are common. Let’s take a look at them in a bit more detail –

Gingivitis

This type of periodontal disease affects the gums and can be pretty painful. The good news is that if it is caught early enough, there is a chance to fix it.

Periodontitis

This is a more advanced gum disease and is a severe problem. It also affects the nerves in the mouth and can be pretty painful. If left untreated, this periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth.

Apical Periodontitis

This is another very severe problem that can lead to tooth loss. This type of periodontal disease affects the bone in the root area.

Systemic Periodontitis

This refers to the inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It is a condition that causes the bones to lose their ligamentous support and can lead to tooth loss. This ultimately leads to the loosening and loss of the teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis

This is characterized by rapidly progressive alveolar bone loss and can cause tooth loss and even damage to the jawbone and teeth. Periodontal disease occurs more frequently among adults, especially Caucasians between 30 and 50.

Necrotizing Periodontal

People suffering from this also suffer from other systemic diseases. All these factors make this a more complicated case to treat.

Treatment

When we talk about periodontal disease, we’re talking about gum disease. The gums line the inside of your mouth and support the teeth. Gum disease affects about 40% of Americans. If you have gingivitis, it can be reversed, but it isn’t easy to treat if it progresses to periodontitis.

The good news about gum disease is that it can be controlled and treated. If you are suffering from periodontal disease, take steps to improve your oral hygiene and seek the help of a dental professional to treat the problem. Your dentist or a periodontist will provide you with a complete examination of your mouth, which will help determine if you need additional treatments.

Prevention

The key to prevention is to prevent periodontal disease from occurring in the first place. By eating a balanced diet containing various foods, limiting the consumption of sugary beverages, brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and having regular dental visits, you can help prevent periodontal disease.