One of the most serious oral conditions that can occur is oral cancer. The survival rate for oral cancer if diagnosed early is quite high but it can be fatal in cases where it is not spotted soon enough and allowed to develop. The dentist plays a crucial part in spotting the first signs and symptoms of oral cancer, which include small white and red patches on the soft tissue that don’t go away naturally.
Oral cancer is twice as likely to affect men than women and certain other factors such as smoking and drinking can also increase the chances of contracting the disease. However, despite certain factors making oral cancer more likely it must be remembered that nearly a quarter of all cases affect people with none of the high risk factors.
Amongst the other symptoms of oral cancer are small swellings like little bumps or rusty spots on the inside of the mouth. Any unexplained bleeding in the mouth or sudden weight loss could also be signs of oral cancer so they are always worth having examined at a City of Leeds dentist. Any difficulty experienced when eating or drinking due to pain or soreness can also be indicative of the early signs of oral cancer.
To prevent oral cancer, try and eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid dangerous substances like alcohol and tobacco. Examine your mouth once a month both in a mirror and with your finger to feel for any bumps or patches. And always remember to see your dentist at least once every six months.
Oral cancer is considered to be any cancer that is located in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue and throat. It is usually manifested as sores on the tissue that don’t disappear naturally after a couple of weeks and can be life threatening if not caught early enough.
Oral cancer is a particularly virulent form of cancer that if not caught early can be fatal. Patients who catch the disease early stand an 80 per cent chance or greater of making a full recovery so it is vital that if you are suffering from any suspicious sores in the mouth you contact a dentist as soon as possible. It is also important that you keep up regular six-month appointments with your dentist as they are trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer.
Oral cancers can be very aggressive, so early detection is vital to successful treatment. You are twice as likely to suffer from oral cancer if you are a man, with men over the age of 45 being particularly at risk. Lifestyle choices also play a significant part in increasing chances of oral cancer, with smokers being a massive 600 times more likely to contract oral cancer than non-smokers. The links between oral cancer and alcohol consumption are also very strong, especially when consumption is higher than the recommended weekly amount. However, it is still important to remember that even no-smokers and lifetime teetotalers are at risk from oral cancer.