Blog 7 ~   What is the survival rate of oral cancer?

If oral cancer is detected early (in stages one or two), the survival rate is 80% to 90%.  But, when found at a later stage (stages three or four), the chances of survival drop to 20% to 30%.  Late discovery and diagnosis are major factors in the high death rate.  In the U.S., two-thirds of the diagnosed cases will be late stage 3 and 4 cancers this year.  Since in many cases oral cancer can be easily detected by a visual and tactile exam, this situation is correctable without the introduction of new science.  Make sure your dentist is performing a quick, pain-free oral cancer screening during your routine cleaning and check-up appointment.

Resources:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_cancer/article.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002030/

Blog #6 ~     What are the signs or oral cancer?

The following is a list of signs or symptoms that can be associated with oral cancer:

·         A sore or lesion in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.

·         A lump or thickening in the cheek

·         A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth

·         A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat

·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing

·         Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

·         Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth

·         Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable

·         Chronic hoarseness

·         Swollen lymph nodes of the neck

·         Loosening teeth

·         Bleeding in the mouth

These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, but they also indicate the possible presence of oral cancer.  Only a professional will be able to tell you definitively.   One of the more troubling aspects of oral cancer is that it can often be present without any of the above symptoms, or the symptoms are so minor they are unrecognizable.  This is why it is so important to receive an oral cancer screening from your dentist once or twice a year.

Resources:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/

http://www.medicinenet.com/oral_cancer/article.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002030/

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We’ve cover a lot of information about Oral Cancer this past month, who’s at risk, contributing factors, and the link to HPV16.

The truth is there’s a lot we can prevent by adjusting our behaviors and tweaking our daily routine. A whole laundry list of interconnected dental mishaps can be prevented by simply brushing twice a day and flossing. Even if you don’t suffer from the following conditions, you can walk away knowing how big of an impact your dental routine has on your life!

Like Oral Cancer, there are significant yet simple steps you can take towards prevention of some of the most common oral problems facing our society.

Preventing:

Dental Mishap 1: Tooth Decay and Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Tooth Decay is a simple equation consisting of plaque build-up and consuming sugary/starchy foods resulting in an acid that attacks your teeth’s enamel. Unfortunately, a whole other set of harmful conditions may arise when bacteria from this process enters the blood system. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, prevention can be achieved through:

• Professional cleaning (what you receive at your dentist’s office)
• Daily anti-bacterial rinses
• Always checking with your dentist before you start a whitening regimen

Dental Mishap 2: Sensitivity

Gum and tooth sensitivity can stem from a variety of brushing habits, medications, and teeth whitening products. Sensitivity can also be a byproduct of periodontal disease as well.  Always refer to a dental professional when seeking the proper diagnoses. For at-home prevention and care:

• If using a teeth whitener, always follow the instructions. Space out treatments if you begin to experience any sensitivity.
• Limit cold drinks. Any pre-existing sensitivity may be amplified when combined with certain medications or whitening agents.
• Stay informed and ask a dentist

Dental Mishap 3: Dry Mouth and Halitosis

If you’re not sure you have it, someone around you has their speculations. Like tooth sensitivity, dry mouth may be cause by a slew of medications in addition to gum disease, cavities, and/or oral cancer.  Again, a tricky one to diagnose because there could be a variety of factors at play. Outside of visiting a physician you can:

• Conduct daily tongue cleaning of your entire reachable tongue
• Reduce the alcohol in your diet, this includes replacing your mouthwash with one that is alcohol-free and reducing your intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol
• Some sources recommend sugarless candy, but recommending candy for dry mouth seems a little counterproductive so that will be up to your discretion.

In Conclusion

Some sticky situations may arise from what we put in our mouths (and you thought the days of getting scolded for what you put in your mouth were over). The truth is, if you are brushing twice a day and flossing, you’re already preventing most of these dental mishaps. Inevitably, regular visits to the dentist are also a big step in the right directions.

Stay informed. Stay Healthy.

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