Exploring the Role of Dental Care in Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

Oral cancer is a dangerous illness that affects thousands of people globally. In addition to helping prevent oral cancer and other dental disorders, routine dental checkups and treatments are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. According to the Cancer Statistics Report, an estimated 5,300 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually, 3,700 of them are men and 1,600 are women. For this reason, it’s critical to understand the signs of oral cancer and to take preventative action to ensure early detection. In this blog, we talk about the causes of mouth cancer, risk factors, cancer prevention and treatment techniques, and much more.

What is Oral Cancer?

Anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and back of the throat, can develop oral cancer, sometimes referred to as mouth cancer. It arises from the expansion and mutation of oral cells. The most typical signs of oral cancer are as follows:

• Oral sores or ulcers that do not go away
• Continuous soreness or pain in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Lumps or swelling in the mouth
• Spots of color on the tongue, gums, or inner lining of the mouth

Importance of Routine Dental Check-ups in Preventing Oral Cancer

It is possible to identify mouth cancer early and stop it from spreading with routine dental visits. Your dentist will examine your mouth and throat for any signs of oral cancer during a routine dental examination. Typically, this test consists of the following elements:

• A visual inspection to look for any unusual behaviors in the mouth, lips, and tongue
• A head and neck physical examination to check for tumors or other signs of cancer
• An oral cancer screening that uses cutting-edge tools like VELscopes and fluorescence technology to find anomalies that would go undetected

Dental interventions for cancer patients

The following are the dental interventions for cancer patients:

Strategies for Preventing Oral Cancer

Reducing risk factors and forming healthy practices are key to preventing oral cancer. The following advice can help avoid oral cancer:

• Avoid tobacco usage, including chewing and smoking.
• Cut back on alcohol intake or stay away from it completely.
• Keep up good oral hygiene by routinely brushing and flossing your teeth.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is high in fruits and vegetables.
• Don't let the sun burn your lips for too long.
• For early identification and screening for oral cancer, schedule routine visits with your licensed dentist.
• Obtain an HPV vaccination.

Dentists and Oncologists Working Together

Are you prepared to prioritize your oral health first and support the detection and treatment of cancer? Learn about the advantages of clear aligners, which are intended to enhance your smile and general health. Visit the ALIGNERCO website right now to start along the path to a healthier version of yourself!