Hello Dental Family!
Receive your FREE Oral Cancer Screening
As recently as 2023, there were 53,000 new cases of mouth and throat cancer diagnosed. However, many people are unaware of the need for cancer screening and regular dental exams.
Cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and back of the mouth and throat. The risk of mouth and throat cancer increases with age. Using tobacco and alcohol together, as well as poor oral hygiene, also increase your risk.
Other factors may increase the risk for cancer as well. Current research shows that some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancer in the back of the mouth or throat. HPV is very common —many people have the virus in their bodies and don't even know it. People who often spend long periods of time in the sun are at higher risk for lip cancer. A diet with too few fruits and vegetables may also increase the risk for cancer.
Symptoms of Oral (Mouth) Cancer Include:
- A sore or irritation that does not go away
- Red or white patches
- Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
- Loosening of the teeth
Signs of Throat Cancer Include:
- A lump or growth in the throat or neck area
- A cough or sore throat that doesn't go away
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness or other changes in your voice
Regular dental exams are important to maintain good health. During a dental checkup, we will complete a visual and tactile exam, along with our VELscope to detect any abnormality at an early stage when it is easier to treat. As part of your oral hygiene routine, you should also watch for changes in the soft tissues of your mouth. If you notice any changes or experience any of the symptoms above, please call us at (630) 620-8099 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. We want to help you recognize your risk factors and maintain your oral health for a long, happy life.
{𝚂𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙶𝙴𝚃 𝙲𝙷𝙴𝙲𝙺𝙴𝙳}
Call us today to schedule your next FREE oral cancer screening during the month of April!
Keep Smiling! :o)
Yours for a healthy, complete body and smile,
The Team at Ligocki Dental Group
