Detecting Oral Cancer: Dental Checkup, Signs, And Risk Factors

Oral cancer accounts for six percent of all recorded cases of cancer in the country.

Every day, an average of three Australians are diagnosed with oral cancer. Needless to say, early detection is crucial in treating this disease.

When detected early enough, the chances of surviving oral cancer goes up to 90%. This is exactly the reason why your local dentist, during dental checkups, is very keen on screening your mouth for any symptom that might be indicative of oral cancer.

Signs Of Oral Cancer

There are two lesions that might be symptomatic of oral cancer: white lesions (leukoplakia) and red lesions (erythroplakia). Although less common than white lesions, red lesions are more likely to be cancerous. To be on the safe side, any white or red lesion that does not heal after two weeks should be consulted with your dentist or doctor.

Apart from lesions, other prominent symptoms of oral cancer include any unexplained lump in the soft oral tissues, prolonged soreness of the throat, difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing, ear pain, numbness of the jaw or tongue, swelling of the jaw.

Risk Factors

People who are frequent consumers of tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco are at a high risk of developing oral cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption also increases the chances of developing the disease. This risk is even greater for people who are both chain smokers and heavy drinkers.

People who are infected with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV 16) are also at risk of developing oral cancer. Advance age, prolonged sun exposure, a diet with a prominent lack of fruits and vegetable also increases the risk of developing the disease.

Dentist In Townsville

Regularly consulting with your local Dentist Townsville is crucial in promoting and preserving optimal oral health and general wellbeing. Even something routine as a general dental checkup in Townsville, for instance, helps in the detection and therefore in the prevention of oral cancer.

Dental experts at Townsville Dental Centre recognize their patients as their individual dental partners. Call us at 07 4729 0241, or simply book and appointment online.