While you may be used to hearing about common oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease at your local dentist’s office, one serious problem that may be a little more unfamiliar is oral cancer. Just because it’s not well-known, though, doesn’t mean it’s anything to sneeze at – in fact, tens of thousands of people every year are diagnosed with oral cancer, and nearly half of those patients won’t go on to survive more than five years. Even worse is that while a majority of cases are caused by heavy smoking and/or drinking, a whopping 25% of instances of oral cancer occur in people who participate in no known risk factors.
While this all probably sounds very scary, the good news is that oral cancer can be treated successfully if caught early on – that’s why attending routine dental check-ups is so important! Thankfully, your local dentist in Natick, MA can help keep your smile safe from this deadly disease with thorough inspections. But are there any tell-tale signs you can notice at home? Common symptoms include:
- Red, white, or pink-colored areas on the mouth or tongue
- A lump, crust, or thick area inside the mouth
- Pain or tenderness in the lips or mouth
- A sore in the mouth that bleeds excessively and doesn’t show signs of healing
Of course, it’s important to remember that symptoms aren’t always noticeable to an untrained eye; that’s why your local dentist should your first line of defense against oral cancer. It’s strongly recommended that you attend a routine appointment every six months. Your dentist will be sure to let you know if they find any suspicious-looking areas that may require additional testing to determine whether they’re cancerous or not.
Contact your local dentist in Natick, MA today to schedule an appointment! We’re dedicated to providing patients with comprehensive, compassionate care that puts comfort first. We also serve the areas of Framingham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston, Ashland, Sherborn, and beyond!