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General | Concerning Infants | Concerning Children | Administrative Procedures at Streetsville Dental | Orthodontics | Oral Piercing | Need a Dentist | Saving Your Teeth | Dental Radiographs | Periodontal Disease | Oral Cancer | What can be done about thumb sucking habits?
What causes oral cancer and how common is it?
Most forms of oral cancer have a multifactorial cause (many contributing factors). Some of these are genetic, environmental, behavioral, systemic or unknown. Specific causes for oral cancer are usually found in combination; the most common is smoking and drinking. Tobacco in any form will raise your cancer risk about four times, and combined with alcohol about ten times the risk. The biggest problem with oral cancer is that it is very debilitating to ones quality of life. We use our mouth 24 hours a day to eat, talk, swallow, chew, breath, kiss, communicate- the list goes on and on. Avoidance and prevention of oral cancer is far preferable to any treatment that can be provided.
How can I prevent oral cancer?
Eliminate any risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol and regularly visit your dentist. Periodic dental and oral exams allow early detection and appropriate treatment if cancer develops. If at any time you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth, or any unusual signs and symptoms, such as:
- A persistent sore or irritation that does not heal
- Color changes such as the development of red and/or white lesions
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Change in bite
I have used tobacco products for many years and recently noticed a white patch in my mouth, should I be concerned?
Any mouth sores or changes that persist for more than one week should be examined by your dentist. "Leukoplakia " is a thick whitish patch that forms on the cheek, gums, or tongue and is caused by excess cell growth. It is common among tobacco users and can also be a result of ill fitting dentures, or habit of chewing on one's cheeks. The danger of leukoplakia is that it can progress to cancer. Your dentist can now do a simple painless biopsy of the area if the leukoplakia appears to be threatening. top
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