While dental decay and infection may be the most common oral health concerns out there, it is important to note that they are not the only threats your smile faces every day. Indeed, there is a long laundry list of factors that negatively influence your oral health, and some are more common than you might expect. When it comes to your health, it is better to take a proactive role in your oral care than a passive one, and this concept applies to the phenomenon of oral cancer. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist takes a look at the dangers of oral cancer, as well as what our team can do to help.

The Relationship with Oral Health

It goes without saying that your grin faces a myriad of concerns throughout the course of your life. From a cavity caused by dental decay to worn structures due to teeth-grinding and everything else in-between, there is not much that your grin is safe from. Because of this, your dentist encourages you take an active role in providing effective preventive care so that you increase your chances of maintaining a healthy smile for life.

Indeed, some situations are more common than others, and sometimes you might not even know that there is an issue before it is too late. Oral cancer can be one of these phenomena, as there is often a common misconception that it only occurs to those who smoke cigarettes frequently. The truth of the matter is, however, that it can occur to anyone of any age at any given time. To learn more about this process and what your options might be, contact our team today.

What to Look for

Oral cancer occurs when the cells contained in oral tissues (such as the cheeks) continue to grow with no indication of stopping. Though practices such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure to the lips, and Human Papillomavirus

When a person develops oral cancer, he or she can tell due to a few signs and symptoms. For instance, a rough red or white patch within the mouth is a telltale sign. Other signs include teeth becoming alarmingly loose, the development of sores that do not seem to heal, and the development of bumps or lumps.

Functions of Your Checkup

Though oral cancer cannot be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing it. For instance, limiting alcohol intake and sun exposure helps, just as ceasing tobacco use does. What’s more? We can provide an oral cancer screening during your routine checkup and cleaning to help identify these signs and provide guidance on what your options may be.

Schedule Your Appointment

To learn more about the need for oral cancer awareness, contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to schedule your next appointment with our team today.