Cancer is a serious disease that takes the lives of millions each year.  The mouth is not exempt from this terrible subject as close to 36,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  Of these 36,000, 8,000 of them will die.  Oral cancer is dangerous, and it should be in everyone’s best interest to examine ways to prevent and treat it.

Oral cancer begins as a mucous membrane lesion, lump, or ulcer on the tongue, lip, or other are of the mouth.  This tumor, will usually be small, painless at first, and is most often pale colored at first.  It will cause an abnormal taste in the mouth, mouth sores, and swallowing difficulties.  As it develops, a burning sensation or pain will begin, and it will spread to the throat or neck.  Once it hits this stage, it is nearly impossible to treat.

The best way to treat oral cancer is, like every other cancer, to catch it early.  For this reason, it is stressed beyond limits that everyone should always go to the dentist at least twice a year for checkups.  The dentist is not only looking for tooth decay, he or she is also looking for signs of oral cancer.  If the cancer is detected before it has spread, the cure rate is nearly 75%.  For your safety, make sure to always schedule a biannual dentist checkup at any dentist in Stockton near you.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to maintain superb dental hygiene.  If there are any signs of decay in your mouth visit your Stockton dentist to schedule an appointment to get the decay taken care of.  It is the decay that infects and spreads that ultimately causes the cancer. If you have a lesion or small lump in the mouth, lip, or neck that does not go away within one month call a health care provider immediately.  It is the decay that infects and spreads that ultimately causes the cancer.  It is also advised to refrain from tobacco products and alcohol.  Smoking, and other tobacco related abuses, are associated with 70-80% of oral cancer cases.

Oral cancer is real and dangerous, and everything should be done to try and prevent it.  It can be treated, but most hope of success stems on finding the tumor early.  Fortunately, with meticulous dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist you will catch any signs of a tumor early and oral cancer will be a very manageable.  Dental hygiene must be a major priority for your teeth, health, and overall well-being.