November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month
Mouth cancer, or oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in any part of the mouth including the tongue, lips, inner cheeks, gums, palate, and salivary glands. Your dentist is the first line of defense against both serious and nonthreatening health concerns, so open wide for Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS to do a comprehensive oral checkup. Your mouth and tongue may have something to say about your overall health!
What Does Your Mouth Tell Dr. Evanson About Your Health?
As a dentist, Dr. Evanson is interested in your gums and teeth, but she is also interested in the general appearance of your mouth, tongue, and oral tissues as part of a regular examination you should have twice a year.
Dr. Evanson, performs an Oral Cancer Screening, an important evaluation of your mouth that can save lives. The American Dental Association (ADA) has established guidelines to check for symptoms of oral cancer and other issues concerning the health of your mouth.
Mouth Cancer Covers the Flat Surfaces of your Mouth, Tongue, and Lips
Most mouth cancers begin in the squamous cells that cover the flat surfaces of your mouth, tongue, and lips. Oral cancer forms when cells on the lips or in the mouth mutate. Most often they begin in cells that line your lips and the inside of your mouth. Small changes to the DNA of the squamous cells make the cells grow irregularly.
A white or red patch in these areas, in the tonsils, or the lining of your mouth may be a sign of squamous cell carcinoma. If these patches are visible for more than two weeks, they can be precancerous. You usually see these mouth irregularities before you feel them; but don’t ignore them! Mouth cancer in the early stages will not cause pain. Make an appointment with Dr. Evanson for a thorough oral examination. There are varied signs of oral cancer for you to be aware of.
Mouth Cancer Signs and Symptoms:
- A lump in your neck.
- Loose teeth.
- Swelling or a sore on your lip that won’t heal.
- Difficult or painful swallowing.
- Changes in speech.
- Bleeding or numbness in the mouth.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Your Tongue Should be a Lovely Light Pink Color
If you have white or red patches on the mouth, tongue, or gums, this is caused by an excess growth of cells. This condition, leukoplakia, is often associated with smokers. If the patches are persistent and don’t go away within a week or two, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson to rule out oral cancer as a cause. The patches could be precancerous that can develop into cancer. In some cases, leukoplakia can be reversed when you stop smoking, and this will prevent you from getting a mouth cancer disease of the tongue.
Routine Dental Appointments Are Imperative
Routine dental examinations twice a year are essential. You are in charge of your own health, so make a commitment to routine dental examinations and make early detection and prevention of mouth cancer a priority. If oral cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates increase. Dr. Evanson’s professional experience along with your own self- examination, will help you be aware of any changes that occur between appointments,
Dr. Evanson is the first line of defense if cancer is discovered. And you can discuss any concerns you may have with her. She has been practicing dentistry and serving her patients with comprehensive dental care since 1994. If you are concerned about potential precancerous symptoms, please call our office at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online for an appointment.
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