How Oral Cancer Affects You

April 6, 2021

In last week’s blog, our team discussed the dangers that arise from gum disease, and how oral bacteria can wreak havoc on your health if given the chance. Now that it is oral cancer awareness month, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide some insight on a concern that most do not keep at the forefront of their mind, but that can affect anyone at any given time. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist takes a look at the common causes of oral cancer, as well as what steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.

Are You at Risk?

In the most simplified manner, yes. Everyone at any age is at risk of developing oral cancer, whether you are a young child, an elderly individual, or any age in-between. This concern consists of the cells contained in your oral tissues mutating. There is no true reason as to how or why this occurs, however, there are practices that can exacerbate the phenomenon.

Mouth cancer refers to cell mutation affecting any area contained within the oral cavity. This includes the lips, throat, cheeks, gums, tongue, and floor and roof of the mouth. The mutation causes the cells to continue to grow and divide as opposed to dying like a healthy cell would, and if not addressed early on, it could be detrimental to your health. For more information about this process, contact our team today.

Threats and Complications

While there is no clear cause of the mutations, there are risk factors that can increase your chances of it occurring. These include tobacco use, excessive sun exposure to your lips, consumption of alcohol, and contraction of human papillomavirus.

When an individual is affected by this mutation in cells, one might experience a number of symptoms. These may include rough white or red patches within the mouth, lip sores that do not heal, ear pain, mouth pain, difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing, loose teeth, and even a noticeable growth or bump. If you suspect that you are experiencing any one of these signs, do not hesitate to call our team and learn your next steps.

What We do to Help

Unfortunately, there is not a proven way to prevent mouth cancer, however, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your risks. For instance, our team provides oral cancer screenings during your routine checkup and cleanings. During this process, we carefully investigate your oral cavity for signs of abnormalities or symptoms. In addition to this, you can reduce your risk by stopping your use of tobacco, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding excessive sun exposure.

Schedule Your Appointment

For more information about oral cancer or to schedule your appointment with our team, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 today.

Our Services

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General Dentistry

General dental care provides preventive services along with feedback about your oral health. We provide important oral health reviews for patients of all ages.

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Advanced Dentistry

The right solution for an active oral health issue can give you more confidence in your smile along with the support to bite and chew comfortably.

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Children’s Dentistry

We strive to make every visit comfortable for the kids who depend on us, and we provide reviews and protection that helps you keep them safe from oral health threats.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

We offer conservative, lasting solutions to the flaws that rob people of confidence in the way they look when they speak and smile.