Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a head and neck cancer found mostly in people aged 40-60, though it can strike at any age. Warning signs of oral cancer may include lumps, bumps or knobs of tissue in the mouth, mouth sores that don’t get better, and loose teeth. Every checkin with our dentist comes with a screening for oral cancer, but there are some additional things you should know about mouth cancer.
Most importantly, you should be aware of the risk factors associated with oral cancer. (An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!) The largest risk factors of mouth cancer are alcohol and tobacco use. If you drink or smoke and are between 40 and 60 years old, give everything you have to stopping these habits; it may save your life! Other important risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV), excess sun exposure to the lips and weakened immune systems.
Please note that you should check in with a professional dental practitioner if you are suspicious that you have mouth cancer or if you have many of the aforementioned risk factors, but there are some things you can try by yourself. Using a mirror, pull your cheeks and view your mouth’s roof, cheeks, gums, floor, tongue and throat; check for any bumps or knobs. Also, inspect your jaw and neck for any knobs.
Ready for your next oral cancer screening? When you visit our Brockton, Massachusetts, office, our dentist will inspect your mouth and neck for oral cancer. Please give us a call now at 508-588-1400 to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Purvesh Malaviya and our team at Creative Smiles Dental Care will be excited to see you!
