Dental Health

Oral Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection

Charleston, W.V. - January 20, 2005, Although the rates of oral cancer have decreased in the last 20 years, more than 30,000 Americans will be diagnosed with it this year. In most cases, this disease will strike people over the age of 40. For this reason, the West Virginia Dental Association wants to remind adults, as part of its Adult Oral Health Awareness campaign, to schedule regular dental visits and adopt an oral cancer prevention lifestyle.

As is the case with many other cancers, early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment. As part of your regular examination, the dentist can check your oral tissues for signs of cancerous or precancerous lesions.

Adults also can take an active role in detecting oral cancer early by checking their oral tissues - lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue, as well as the floor and roof of the mouth - for symptoms of the disease. Signs to look for include:

• a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal;
• a color change of the oral tissues;
• a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area;
• pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips;
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
• or a change in the way the teeth fit together.

Adults who notice any of these symptoms should contact their dentist immediately for a professional examination.

In addition to age, other factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Not surprisingly, oral cancers are more likely to strike people who use tobacco products - including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco varieties. The risk of developing oral cancer also seems to rise with increases in alcholol consumption. However, it is the combination of tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption that triggers oral cancer in an estimated 75 percent of cases.

In addition to avoiding risk factors, adults may be able to reduce the potential for oral cancer by adopting healthy eating habits. Some research suggests that a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help prevent the development of precancerous lesions.

Knowing the risk factors and taking steps to prevent precancerous lesions from developing can go a long way toward limiting the influence oral cancer can have on your life. Starting today, make it a point to join your dentist in maintaining good oral health for life.

[The West Virginia Dental Association (WVDental) is the nonprofit organization representing organized dentistry in the state of West Virginia. WVDental is a constituent of the American Dental Association. WVDental contributes to the dental health of consumers in West Virginia through various comprehensive programs aimed at improving dental health. WVDental's membership consists of nearly 1,000 dentists. WVDental is online at www.WVDental.org.]