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7 Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Michael Wahl • December 3, 2019

Cancer is everyone’s worst fear. That one word can rock your world, and in extreme cases, take your life. Today we’ll go over early warning signs that you may have oral cancer and review situations that put you at greater risk for a cancer diagnosis.

Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

  1. A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
  2. A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
  3. Loose teeth
  4. A growth or lump inside your mouth
  5. Mouth pain
  6. Ear pain
  7. Difficult or painful swallowing

If you are experiencing one or multiple of these ailments,  especially if they persist for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to see your dentist. Some of these warning signs could be indicators of a completely different problem, but it’s important to see your dentist to determine the root cause. Your dentist will investigate the root cause and help you make wise health choices.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and tobacco use greatly increase your risk of oral cancers. Tobacco and alcohol are full of various carcinogens. Moderate to excessive consumption of either can increase your risk of multiple cancers, oral cancer included. If possible, reduce or eliminate your substance abuse to reduce your risk.

Older Age

As you age, your risk of oral cancer increases significantly. Only 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people younger than 55 years old. The average age for diagnosis is 62. That’s why it’s especially important to continue seeing your dentist regularly for your entire life. Even if you lose all your teeth, your dentist is an important health partner than can help you prevent bone loss, maintain facial structural integrity, and catch early warning signs of oral cancer.

Exposure to the Sun

Like many other cancers, your oral cancer risk increases with exposure to radiation, including radiation from the sun. Excessive or lifelong exposure to the sun’s radiation can increase your risk of developing cancer in your mouth or throat. Try to find lip balm with UV protection, wear hats with ample coverage, and avoid severe sunburns on your face and lips.

Disease and Weak Immune System

A weakened immune system makes your mouth vulnerable to a wide array of diseases, including cancer. Additionally, some other diseases can make your mouth more vulnerable to oral cancer, such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It may seem circular, but keeping your whole body healthy can make it easier to keep your whole body healthy. The more you invest in a healthy body, the easier your body can fight infection.

 

Concerned by mouth sores, discoloration or pain in your mouth? Schedule an appointment with our compassionate doctors today! We can help you discover the root cause of your symptoms and get treatment. The earlier you detect oral cancer, the greater your odds of beating it!

 

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • September 1, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • August 25, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • August 18, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • August 11, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • July 28, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • July 21, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • July 14, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • July 7, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • July 1, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • June 23, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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