At Dental Made Easy, we take oral health seriously and want to spread awareness on an important health matter. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. We are committed to doing our part in highlighting how dangerous this disease is. Oral and oropharyngeal cancer if detected early can be treated. Research is developing allowing progression in combating this illness but there is still more work to be done.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Cancer occurs when cells divide abnormally and begin to destroy the tissues surrounding them. Oral cancer is appears in the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer is found in the pharynx, otherwise known as the back of the throat. During dental checkups, dentists analyze these areas to detect early signs of these conditions. While these professionals are great at spotting indications of potential cancer, you can also keep an eye out for this. Some symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are:
- Any sores or ulcers in the oral cavity that are having trouble healing
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, chewing, and speaking
- Ear pain
- Any lumps or growth in the mouth
- Loose teeth
These are the main signs to look out for, but there are many others as well. If experiencing any of these or other symptoms especially for a period of 2 weeks, visit a healthcare professional. It is imperative to be aware of the indications of oral and oropharyngeal cancer because of the risk factors associated with the disease. Smoking, any type of tobacco use and drinking alcohol are the leading causes of both cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted disease and extreme sun exposure are two other major threats. Be sure to note that men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as opposed to women. The group that is the most at risk are men that are over 50.
Detection and Prevention
To prevent oral cancer, try not to smoke or use any type of tobacco products. If you are going to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Have a balanced diet including primarily fruit and vegetables. Make sure you limit how long and often you expose yourself to the sun. Sunscreen and sun protective lotions and lip products are your main lines of defense when necessary.
Maintaining an active role in your health and detecting oral cancer early is essential. You can conduct self exams where you examine your oral cavity at home checking for any concerning changes in the appearance of your mouth. Visit your dentist regularly especially if you do notice anything that seems to be alarming. Book an appointment with us at 516-588-6622 today!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Rego Park, East Flatbush and Floral Park. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
