What steps can you take to prevent oral cancer

Cancer in general and mouth cancer, in particular, is often a sensitive topic. However, with an increasing number of people estimated to be diagnosed this year, educating yourself on prevention methods, early detection, and treatment options for mouth cancer and tongue cancer is of paramount importance.

While mouth cancer, tongue cancer, and gum cancer are concerning issues, the good news is that ensuring early detection is as easy as attending your routine dental exams every six months.

A dentist can see and feel precancerous tissue changes and early mouth cancer symptoms and can diagnose them during the initial stages. When signs of mouth cancer is detected early, the survival rate is a reassuring 80% to 90%.

Due to the rapidly growing number of HPV-related mouth cancer and throat cancer diagnoses, people 18 years and older should be screened regularly.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick procedure that takes only three minutes. It consists of a verbal, visual, and physical examination and includes:

1. An extensive review of your oral health history, as well as your overall medical history, which includes questions that help assess your risk for mouth cancer

2. A visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores, red or white patches; this inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and posterior section of your tongue

Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

In between routine dental exams, you should perform self-examinations, and be sure to keep an eye out for the following mouth cancer symptoms that may indicate the presence of oral cancer:

1. Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue
2. Swelling or thickening inside the mouth
3. Unexplained gum bleeding
4. Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal
5. A chronic sore throat
6. Voice changes
7. A change in the way your dentures fit
8. Unexplained weight loss

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

To prevent mouth cancer and other cancers of the oral cavity such as tongue cancer and throat cancer, implement the following measures suggested by cancer specialists:

1. Avoid smoking and the use of all tobacco products.
2. Limit or refrain from drinking alcohol.
3. Avoid overexposure to the sun, and use sunblock on your skin and lips.
4. Practice safe sex.
5. Maintain a healthy diet.

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What steps can you take to prevent oral cancer

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