Oral Cancer: Importance of Early Detection

Hours and Location:	859-291-8600
Monday: Noon-7PM	324 Greenup St
Tues thru Thurs: 8AM-5PM	Covington, KY 41011

Oral Cancer: Importance of Early Detection

We have good news about the progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. Together we can fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see me regularly.

Facts You Should Know About Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.
Other signs 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.
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
Oral Cancer most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form.
Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk.
Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer.
More than 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors.
Oral Cancer is more likely to strike after age 40.
Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may prevent the development of potentially cancerous lesions.
Incidence and Mortality

Incidence and Mortality

Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year. An estimated 7,550 people (5,180 men and 2,370 women) will die of these cancers in 2007
More than 25% of the 30,000 Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease.
Oral cancer is as common as leukemia and claims more lives that either melanoma or cervical cancer.
On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.
African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high.

Risk Factors

Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.
There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors
The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1.

Prevention and Detection

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use.
Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.
Many types of abnormal cells can develop in the oral cavity in the form of red or white spots. Some are harmless and benign, some are cancerous and others are pre-cancerous, meaning they can develop into cancer if not detected early and removed. (American Cancer Society)
Finding and removing epithelial dysplasias before they become cancer can be one of the most effective methods for reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer.
Knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for oral cancer screenings can help prevent this deadly disease. Routine use of the Pap smear since 1955, for example, dramatically reduced the incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer in the United States. Similarly, use of colonoscopy now makes it possible to detect dysplastic polyps years before they can turn into colon cancer and is contributing to falling rates of mortality for the disease.
Oral cancer is often preceded by the presence of clinically identifiable premalignant changes. These lesions may present as either white or red patches or spots. Identifying white and red spots that show dysplasia and removing them before they become cancer is an effective method for reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer.

Preventing Jaw and Headache Pain

When you wake up, do you feel fabulous? Or instead do you have a painful, aching jaw or sore sensitive teeth? Stiff neck? Tension headache? If you suffer from these problems you should know about a major breakthrough that will help stop headaches, sore jaw, stiff neck, and sensitive teeth.

Toothbrush Care 101

Using a tooth brush to clean your teeth on a regular basis is a broadly practiced method of caring for your teeth. But with such an important job entrusted to it, your toothbrush needs care as well! For starters, did you know that your toothbrush can become contaminated with the same bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay? Do you know how often you should replace your toothbrush or how to store it properly?

Pregnancy and Dental Health FAQ

It is especially important to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal (gum) disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low birth weight baby.

What is Periodontal Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater...

Oral Care for People with Diabetes

There are over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes. And, due to increased bacterial production from higher glucose levels in saliva, diabetics often times have one of the highest rates of periodontal disease and oral infection. Other oral complications including bleeding gums, hard to heal mouth sores, tissue sensitivity, inflammation, bad breath, and dry mouth may also develop in a large number of people with Type I, Type II or gestational diabetes. These oral complications...

Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, describes a condition that causes pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Some estimates suggest that TMJ disorders affect over 10 million Americans; the conditions appear to be more common in women than men.

Child Dental Emergency Tips

When dental emergency situations arise that involve your child, here's some helpful tips on how to handle them:

Cavities Are Not Just Kid Stuff

Changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of periodontal (gum) disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Senior Oral Health

Incidences of tooth loss generally increases with age. Whether caring for natural teeth or dentures, seniors face a range of special oral concerns, including root decay and periodontal disease. You can keep your smile healthy by following a routine of proper oral care and making regular visits to your registered dental hygienist and dentist.