In California, our smiles are an important part of our lives. They make our days better, make us feel better about ourselves, and help us stay connected with the places we love. But having a healthy mouth is important for more than just looks.
This includes keeping an eye out for mouth cancer, which can be very dangerous but has a much better chance of being cured if found early. Finding a good dentist in Santa Rosa, CA, is very important for people who want to take charge of their mouth health. To protect your smile and your life, it is important to get annual mouth cancer tests.
Understanding the silent threat of oral cancer
Oral cancer includes a number of different types of cancer that start in the mouth and throat. Even though it is not as common as some other types of cancer, it is still important to know the risks.
The fact that over 53,230 new cases of mouth cancer will be found in the US in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society, shows how common it is.
Oral cancer can be especially scary because it often goes unnoticed. In its early stages, there are usually few or no signs. This means that regular screenings are the best way to find it before it spreads.
Who should be screened based on risk factors?
Oral cancer can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher for certain people.
Tobacco use
Smoking, eating tobacco, and even smokeless tobacco all raise the chance by a large amount.
Heavy alcohol use
Drinking too much booze can also make the problem worse.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. Some forms of HPV, especially HPV16 and HPV18, are connected to some types of mouth cancer, mostly in younger people.
Sun exposure
If you spend too much time in the sun on your lips, you may develop lip cancer.
Family history
If someone close to you has had mouth cancer, your risk is slightly higher.
Immune system weakness
People whose immune systems are weak, like those with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to get sick.
If you have any of these risk factors, you should talk to your dentist about getting screened for mouth cancer.
Why it is important to get regular screenings
If mouth cancer is found early, it can be treated easily with less invasive means. Finding it early can make the lives of those impacted better. By looking for sores, lumps, white or red spots, and changes in how your teeth fit together, regular dental checkups can help find mouth cancer early.
More tests may be used to find abnormal tissue, such as Toluidine Blue Stain, OralBrush Biopsy, and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Regular dentist checkups give you the tools to take care of your oral health and protect your general health. People can take care of their mouth health and protect their general health by going to the dentist for regular checks.
How to take charge – your part in prevention
To lower your chance of getting mouth cancer, eat a variety of foods, stop smoking and drinking, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, check your mouth every month for changes, and make sure you see your dentist regularly to keep an eye on your oral health. Self-checkups and cleanings can help you keep your teeth clean and stop problems from getting worse.
Early diagnosis is the most important thing for treating mouth cancer well. You can protect your smile and your life by getting regular checkups, taking charge of your oral health, and openly talking to your dentist.
Do not wait until it is too late; make sure you consider mouth cancer screening at your next dentist visit. Do not forget that a healthy mouth means a healthy you!