IMPORTANCE OF ORAL CANCER SCREENING
WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?
Oral cancer is a disease resulting from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat.
SYMPTOMS
*Sores, irritation, rough spots, lumps, or red or white patches in the mouth
*Velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
*Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
*Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
*A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
*Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
*Hoarseness, sore throat or change in voice that does not go back to normal
*Ear pain
*A change in the way your teeth look or dentures fit
*Loose teeth
RISK FACTORS
*Smoking(earlier you start smoking the more at risk you are)
*Alcohol (excessive)
*HPV (Human papillomaviruses)
*Lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet
*sun exposure (lip cancer)
*chronic mouth irritation(poorly fitted dentures)
*over 45 years of age
ORAL CANCER EXAM
Your dentist will examine;
*lips
*jaws
*cheeks
*neck
*tongue
*roof of your mouth
*throat
**EARLY DETECTION OF ORAL CANCER IS CRUCIAL AND GREATLY AFFECTS SURVIVAL RATES **
It cannot be overstated that an Oral Cancer Screening
should be an integral part of your oral care routine!
See your DENTIST AND HYGIENIST regularly to maintain and achieve your optimum oral health!!