Oral cancer can have a profound impact on your health and well-being, which is why it’s so important that you arm yourself with the facts about prevention and treatment. At our dental office in Macon, Georgia, we want to provide the best possible care for our patients. This means staying on the forefront of emerging information and strategies surrounding oral cancer. We understand that uncovering the facts about oral cancer – including how to reduce your risk – isn’t easy. That’s why we’re here to offer quality insight into what healthy habits you should practice, while providing crucial resources tailored to fit your specific needs. Our goal is simple: offering superior assistance in improving your overall health through education and prevention of oral cancer. Read on as we share our knowledge in this insightful blog post!
Oral Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies
Did you know that oral cancer is relatively common in Macon and Forsyth, Georgia? Oral cancer is a serious health condition that can cause significant damage to the mouth, throat, and surrounding areas. It is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with oral cancer so that you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing it. Some of these risk factors include age (people over 45 are at higher risk), gender (men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer), smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, previous radiation exposure, and certain types of Human Papillomavirus infection.
In addition to understanding the potential risk factors for oral cancer, it is important to know the signs and symptoms associated with this condition. Common symptoms include sores or lesions in the mouth or on the tongue that won’t heal; a lump or thickening in the cheek; white or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth; difficulty swallowing or chewing; hoarseness; numbness in the face or mouth; persistent pain in one area of your face or mouth; and unusual bleeding from your mouth.
Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to reduce your risk for oral cancer. The most obvious way is to stop using tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as well as avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. In addition to these lifestyle changes, you should also practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Regular dental check-ups are also essential, as they give dental professionals an opportunity to closely examine your teeth and mouth for any abnormalities that could signal potential problems like oral cancer.
Resources for Patients Seeking Support with Oral Cancer
In addition to providing education and prevention resources to help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer, Providence Dental Spa utilizes VELscope technology. VELscope technology is a breakthrough in oral cancer screening that has revolutionized the way dentists and hygienists detect abnormal cells. This non-invasive device uses fluorescent light to illuminate soft tissue areas of the mouth, highlighting any suspicious lesions or abnormalities. The real-time images produced by Velscope allow for the accurate detection of potentially precancerous and cancerous cells, as well as other pathological changes associated with oral health issues such as periodontal disease. By using this advanced technology, our dentists at Providence Dental Spa can catch early signs of oral cancer before they become more serious and difficult to treat. As a result, patients are receiving better care while being less exposed to potential risks due to delayed diagnosis.
Providence Dental Spa’s Commitment to Oral Cancer Education, Support, and Prevention
At Providence Dental Spa in Macon, Georgia, we understand the importance of being educated about oral cancer. We are committed to providing our patients with resources tailored to fit their specific needs, so they can reduce their risk for developing this serious health condition. In addition, regular dental visits at our office allow us to closely examine teeth and mouths for any abnormalities that could signal potential problems like oral cancer. Our team is dedicated to offering superior assistance in improving overall health through education and prevention strategies surrounding oral cancer. If you have questions regarding your own risk factors or would like more information on how to prevent oral cancer, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!