For some people, oral health may seem trivial. After all, issues like cavities and gum disease are unpleasant but not usually life-threatening. Given the chance of oral cancer, though, the truth is quite the opposite. This disease is deadly when unchecked, so you should always watch your mouth for it. Luckily, your local Houston dentist can help out with that task. Here, then, are three things you should know about oral cancer so it doesn’t harm you.
Lifestyle Can Raise the Risk
People will often talk about age as a risk factor for oral cancer. However, did you know your lifestyle can also act as one?
Indeed, certain habits make you likelier to develop this cancer. Tobacco use, for example, is highly associated with it. Among those diagnosed at 50 and older, around 75% have historically been tobacco users. Alcohol is also a factor, as people who smoke and drink have a 15 times greater risk for oral cancer. Alcoholic beverages, you see, worsen some effects caused by tobacco.
It Can Go Unnoticed in the Early Stages
Ultimately, one of the real dangers of oral cancer is its initial subtlety. The disease often goes unnoticed in the early stages.
This lack of detection stems from oral cancer’s symptomology. When it first develops, it can be painless and cause little in the way of physical changes. Plus, spotted changes – white or red tissue patches, an ulcer – often seem benign at a glance.
More than anything else, this subtleness is what makes oral cancer life-threatening. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it can lead patients to discover the disease too late. By the time they do so, cancer cells may have already metastasized to another location.
Dentists Can Screen for It
Fortunately, getting screened for oral cancer isn’t that hard. You can simply book a visit to your local dentist’s office!
That’s right – dentists routinely screen for this cancer. As part of a routine oral exam, they’ll check your mouth and neck for relevant signs. The process is simple, non-invasive, and only takes a few minutes. Should the dentist find a cause for concern, they’ll help arrange further testing. In particular, they might refer you to a local physician or cancer specialist.
As you can see, the threat of oral cancer means oral health is a serious business. Therefore, remember the facts above to keep a better eye out!
About the Practice
Hiner Family Dentistry is based in Houston, TX. As led by Drs. Matt and Reagan Hiner, our practice offers comprehensive dentistry for all ages. To that end, we perform high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as emergency procedures. We also take pride in being a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or call us at (713)-589-5539.