How To Identify & Prevent Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer is a serious condition, which according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research affects approximately 54,000 Americans each year. Like any cancer, it’s important to catch it early for the most effective treatment. Routine dental visits include thorough checks for any troubling symptoms, ensuring your oral health remains a top priority. Discover our wide range of dental services for comprehensive tooth replacement care.

How To Identify Mouth Cancer

Cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, affecting the gums, tongue, inside of the cheek or roof or bottom of the mouth. It can also affect the inside or outside of the lips.

Common Symptoms

Mouth Sores and Ulcers

The most common symptom is a sore inside the mouth or a mouth ulcer that does not heal within 3 weeks. A mouth ulcer is usually harmless and is often caused by accidental damage to the inside of the cheek or the tongue by your teeth or dentures. Mouth ulcers generally heal within 1-2 weeks, so if you notice an ulcer lasting longer than usual, make an appointment with your dentist.

Persistent Pain & Discomfort

Another frequent symptom of mouth cancer is persistent pain and discomfort. Seek medical attention if you experience any pain in your mouth to promptly address the issue and rule out oral cancer.

Red or White Patches Inside The Mouth

Red or white patches inside the mouth could also be a sign of cancer, or a precancerous change which could develop into the condition if left untreated. Thrush can also cause red and white patches to appear inside the mouth, which typically clear up with antifungal medication. While this symptom is not necessarily a sign of cancer, any changes in the mouth should be taken seriously.

Loose Teeth or Dentures

Other symptoms may include feeling that your teeth are loose or that your dentures no longer fit as well as before, meaning that you require adjustments. Additionally, difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving your jaw is another symptom that should be checked out as soon as possible.

Risk Factors For Oral Cancer

Smoking

Smoking can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. While smokeless forms of tobacco such as chewing tobacco, snuff and snus are statistically less linked to lung cancer, they still increase the risk of mouth cancer for those who use them.

Alcohol

Another risk factor is drinking alcohol. Bacteria in the mouth produce carcinogenic chemicals when breaking down alcohol, and alcohol itself breaks down into chemicals linked to cancer.

Drinking alcohol while smoking is even riskier, with some studies saying that this combination of activities increases the risk of cancer by 30 times. Alcohol makes it easier for cells in our mouths to absorb carcinogenic chemicals from tobacco smoke.

Poor Diet

Not eating enough fruits and vegetables has been linked to oral cancer, as well as to other cancers. These foods contain important micronutrients to support a healthy body. Studies have found that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits that contain anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which can prevent DNA damage, can help reduce the risk of cancer. What you eat affects not only your oral health but your overall health. Regular dental visits can help detect any issues early.

UV Light Exposure

Exposure to UV light increases the risk of developing cancer on the lips, particularly for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or use tanning beds. SPF lip balm can help protect the delicate skin on your lips from harmful radiation. Using tanning beds is classified by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “moderate risk”.

HPV

Exposure to some types of HPV, or human papillomavirus, is connected to mouth cancer, although this is more closely linked to cancer that develops at the back of the mouth, at the back of the tongue or in the soft palate. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that the CDC says will affect 80% of Americans during their lifetime, and which 99% of people recover from without any effects. There are over 200 strains of HPV, and only the HPV16 strain is associated with oral cancer.

Mouth Cancer Treatment Options

If your dentist or doctor notices any unusual symptoms that could be an indication of mouth cancer, they will refer you to a specialist for further tests to diagnose the condition.

Tests could include taking a small sample of cells or X-ray scans. If cancer is detected, these tests will provide critical information about the tumor's size and whether the cancer has spread.

Surgery

One of the most commonly used treatments for early stage mouth cancer is surgery to remove the tumor. If caught early, this surgery might be a very simple process that allows the patient to go home the same day. The doctor can operate through the open mouth, leaving no visible scars. This applies mostly to cancer near the front of the mouth, as the back of the mouth is harder to reach.

Radiation Therapy & Chemotherapy

Treatment may also include radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to target cancer that is otherwise difficult to reach, or chemotherapy. Because chemotherapy can lead to tooth decay, dental implants offer an affordable and effective solution for restoring lost teeth in oral cancer patients.

Checking Your Mouth Regularly

The Check Your Mouth campaign led by the Oral Cancer Foundation, provides easy-to-follow instructions for a quick and thorough self-exam to check for signs of oral cancer.

Step 1: Check Your Neck for Lumps

Start by feeling your lymph nodes on your neck for lumps.

Step 2: Check Your Lips

Next, check your lips for any bumps or thickened areas.

Step 3: Check Your Gums

Examine your gums for any color or texture changes.

Step 4: Check Inside Your Cheeks

Using your finger, feel the inside of your cheeks for any abnormalities, and use a small light source and mirror to visually inspect this area.

Step 5: Check Your Tongue

Check your tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth.

Step 6: Examine Back of Your Mouth & Tonsils

Finally, look in the mirror to examine the back of your mouth and your tonsils.

This check should supplement the thorough check that your dentist will perform - your dentist will be well aware of anything that looks out of the ordinary. All general dentistry or denture services appointments include a check for any concerning symptoms, giving you peace of mind that your oral health is in good hands.