Blog

There are many medical conditions that can destroy the mouth and the most devastating of the group is arguably oral cancer. Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, is one of several types of cancers grouped in a category called head and neck cancers. Mouth cancer and other head and neck cancers are often treated similarly, Mayo Clinic explains: Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops on the lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth and anywhere in and around the mouth cavity.

It is important to note that many of the symptoms can be indicative of a different, less dangerous condition. 

Oral cancer presents as a mouth sore that doesn’t heal over a long period of time, even with medical interventions like pills, medicine and ointments. It is often treated similarly to other head and neck cancers, with smokers and heavy drinkers being the most likely to contract the disease.

Symptoms

There are many factors that can point to mouth cancer. Most notable of these is a sore inside the mouth that resembles a cauliflower floret. Also common are mouth ulcers, swelling and pain when swallowing and jaw pain or stiffness. 

Many people also note a lump or thickening of the skin or lining of the mouth. Be on the lookout for unexplained bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t only happen when brushing.  

Slow healing

If you notice a sore in your mouth that just won’t heal no matter what you treat it with; mouth glycerine, ointments etc, then you should see your dentist immediately. 

Loose Teeth

People who suffer from oral cancer will have swelling of the gums and top palate. The swelling can push the teeth apart and result in loose teeth and painful, bleeding gums. Loose teeth are never normal in adults. This warrants an immediate check-up.

Pain

Mouth pain, pain when swallowing and pain under the tongue are all indicative of oral cancer. Not necessarily surface pain, but pain that feels like it’s ‘inside’ the skin. If you don’t find relief in over-the-counter pain meds, have your doctor examine the area.

Who is most at risk of contracting oral cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men run twice the risk of developing oral cancer.

Risk factors for the development of oral cancer include cigarette, cigar or pipe smokers. Even smokeless tobacco (vape) users are more likely to develop mouth cancer. 

People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are about six times more likely to contract cancer than their non-drinking counterparts.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

As part of your routine dental exam, your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening, explains WebMD. When examining your mouth, your dentist will look for any sores or discoloured tissue as well as check for any signs and symptoms mentioned above. You will be checked for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face and oral cavity. You may need a biopsy if anything is detected.

Affinity Dental has three tiers of dental insurance available at different price points. Each of these options covers certain specialist work to various degrees.

Adults and children need to visit the dentist at least twice a year, and these dental maintenance appointments can really start adding up. Dental insurance will cover you for any additional treatments such as crowns, root canals or fillings, whether they are done at the dentist, or at a specialist practice.

Usually, a dentist will refer you to a specialist, if needed.

How is oral cancer treated?

Radiation and chemotherapy are the most common ways of treating oral cancer.  You can also prevent oral cancers by adjusting parts of your lifestyle.

Alcohol and Tobacco are bad

Stop smoking and drinking, or at the very least limit how often you indulge in these vices. Both have been linked to all sorts of cancers, as well as unfavourable health issues like dry mouth, a tight chest, liver failure and lung disease. 

Sunscreen

When we go about our day, we usually underestimate the amount of direct sun our faces are exposed to. Wear a hat that shades your entire face, including your mouth. Apply a sunscreen lip product as part of your routine sun protection regimen. It all helps with chapped lips. 

Get checked out

Make sure to get your mouth assessed every six months, just to stay up to date with your oral health. Affinity Dental is a great safety net for any unexpected dental costs.

Five-year survival rates are often used when looking at the survival rates for various forms of cancer. This just means what percentage of patients diagnosed were still living five years after their diagnosis. If diagnosed at an early stage, the overall five-year survival rate for oral cancer can be as high as 84%. So don’t delay visiting a specialist. If you recognise any of these symptoms, visit a doctor today. The earlier cancer is diagnosed, the higher the survival rate.