Having regular oral cancer screenings with your dentist in Orange County is an excellent way to detect early tongue, throat, lip, and oral cancers. Early diagnosis and treatment will increase your chances of survival.

While sun worshippers, heavy drinkers, and tobacco users are in the high-risk category, anyone can develop oral cancer. Kicking these habits will improve your chances when it comes to oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Can Be Hard to Detect

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, oral cancer can show up in places that only a dentist will see. Caners linked to HPV form in the tonsils and adenoids, on the tongue and in your lymph nodes.

A yearly comprehensive dental examination with an oral cancer screening will detect any abnormalities increasing your chances of survival, especially if cancer is detected.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

• Red or white patches on your gums or at the back of your throat
• Persistent mouth lumps
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Mouth sores that won’t heal
• Unexplained mouth pain
• Rough spots on your lips
• Mouth bleeds
• Swollen throat or tonsils

What You Don’t Know About Oral Cancer

While most people think oral cancer is rare, it isn’t. In fact, oral cancer is more common in the United States than stomach and cervical cancer combined. Throat and mouth cancer ranks number six when it comes to the most common cancers in the world.

Although your risk of oral cancer increases after you hit 50, some oral cancers affect people of any age. In fact, there has been an increase in oral cancer among young people thanks to the HPV or human papillomavirus.

Although tobacco use will increase your risk of oral cancer, it isn’t just chewers and smokers that are diagnosed with oral cancer. You can develop oral and throat cancer even if you don’t smoke or chew.

Protecting Yourself Against Oral Cancer

Protecting yourself against oral cancer is possible if you reduce your chances. Your dentist in Orange County recommends that you schedule yearly cancer screenings during your comprehensive dental exam. If cancer runs in your family, as researchers believes genetics could play a part, schedule cancer screenings more frequently.

You can also reduce your risk of oral cancers by kicking your nicotine habit, eating more vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Stop drinking alcohol and limit your sun exposure. Always use lip balm and sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or more. If you are sexually active, protect yourself, as you will reduce your risk of cancer strains such as HPV.

Schedule Regular Oral Cancer Screenings with Your OC Dentist

Your dentist is probably the first person who will notice if something is abnormal. After a comprehensive dental examination and oral cancer screening, Dr. Ringer and his team will have a clear picture of your situation. If something is detected, Dr. Ringer will consult with your primary physician.

If you can’t remember the last time you had a comprehensive dental examination with an oral cancer screening, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ringer. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Call and schedule your appointment today.