ANSWERING COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer sounds scary, and it can be. However, understanding this dental health issue can help you avoid it, or at least learn when to seek treatment. You’ll need to know a little bit about the signs of oral cancer so you can alert your dentist near Belmont as soon as you notice symptoms. Understanding where it comes from can allow you to monitor your risk level and keep it as low as you can. There are treatments that you can undergo, so read on as we answer some of the common questions about oral cancer.

What are the signs?

It’s wise to be familiar with the signs of oral cancer. This way, you can talk to your dentist as soon as you notice them. Lumps, crusts, and swollen areas in the mouth might suggest the presence of oral cancer. White and red patches as well as bleeding, numbness, and pain are all symptoms as well, and they may occur anywhere on the face and neck area. You might not be able to detect your symptoms of oral cancer by yourself, but your dentist can screen you for signs whenever you go in for a routine checkup.

How do you get it?

In general, men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer. There are a few other risk factors to consider as well, however. If you are over the age of 50 or a tobacco user, you may be at greater risk for oral cancer. People with any kind of cancer in the family should also take extra precautions. Some people allow this condition to progress because they fail to see the dentist, so be sure to make your appointments.

What can we do?

There is no type of cancer that is easy and comfortable to treat, but you will have options if you have oral cancer. Radiation and chemotherapy are both options when it comes to oral cancer, but you should also do what you can to reduce your risk and avoid developing the condition in the first place. Eat healthy, quit smoking, and see your dentist regularly.