At Broadlands Family Dentistry, maintaining oral health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. We are raising awareness for November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer is a severe condition that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. With your trusted Broomfield dentist, you have a partner in early detection, prevention, and maintaining your oral health.
What is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month?
Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every November to educate people about the dangers of oral cancer. It’s a time to spotlight the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of regular dental check-ups for early detection. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. It can affect anyone, but early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Your Broomfield dentist, Dr. Ken Burns and Dr. Alex McNeeley, want to ensure you have the information and support you need to keep your mouth healthy and detect any potential problems early on. By staying proactive with regular check-ups, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially life-threatening disease.
Understanding Oral Cancer: Risks and Symptoms
Oral cancer affects thousands of people every year, and unfortunately, many cases are detected too late. Early diagnosis is crucial in improving the outcome of treatment. Here are some key risk factors and symptoms to be aware of:
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can affect anyone, some factors increase the risk of developing the disease:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or using smokeless tobacco significantly raises the risk of oral cancer. It’s one of the leading causes of the disease.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking, particularly in combination with tobacco use, can significantly increase the risk of mouth cancer.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): The human papillomavirus, particularly HPV-16, is associated with a growing number of cases of oral cancer.
- Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of developing cancer of the lips.
- Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common in men and individuals over the age of 40.
It’s important to note that even individuals without these risk factors can develop oral cancer, which is why routine screenings are so crucial.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Identifying the signs of oral cancer early on is critical for successful treatment. Common symptoms to look out for include:
- Sores or Ulcers: Persistent sores that do not heal, particularly on the tongue, lips, or inside of the cheeks.
- White or Red Patches: White or red patches in the mouth can be an early indicator of abnormal cell changes.
- Lumps or Swellings: Any lumps, thickening, or unusual swelling in the mouth, neck, or jaw should be examined by a dentist.
- Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: Persistent difficulty in swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue could indicate a problem.
- Numbness or Pain: You should not ignore unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness in any area of the mouth, face, or neck.
- Changes in Voice: A persistent change in your voice or a hoarse throat can sometimes signal a deeper issue.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your Broomfield dentist at Broadlands Family Dentistry as soon as possible.
How Your Broomfield Dentist Helps Detect Oral Cancer
Regular dental check-ups are about more than just clean teeth. During your routine visits to Broadlands Family Dentistry in Broomfield, Dr. Ken Burns and Dr. Alex McNeeley provide comprehensive oral health assessments, including screenings for oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Screening at Broadlands Family Dentistry
An oral cancer screening is a simple and painless procedure that can be done during your routine dental check-up. During the exam, Dr. Burns or Dr. McNeeley will visually inspect the inside of your mouth and feel for any lumps or abnormalities. This screening is an essential part of our commitment to your overall health. Detecting changes early can make all the difference in successful treatment outcomes.
Prevention Tips from Your Broomfield Dentist
The best way to fight oral cancer is through prevention and early detection. Our team at Broadlands Family Dentistry has the experience and tools to identify potential issues before they become major health concerns. We encourage all of our patients to have regular dental visits, particularly during Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, as an opportunity to prioritize this vital aspect of oral health.
Supporting Mouth Cancer Awareness Month
Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about oral cancer, understand its risks, and take preventive steps. At Broadlands Family Dentistry, we are committed to raising awareness and providing the resources you need to protect your oral health.
By prioritizing regular dental check-ups, you are not only keeping your teeth and gums healthy but also taking steps toward early detection of serious conditions like oral cancer. Dr. Ken Burns and Dr. Alex McNeeley, your dedicated Broomfield dentists, are here to support you in maintaining your oral and overall health.
This November, make it a point to schedule your dental check-up and ensure that oral cancer screening is part of your routine care. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, and your Broomfield dentist is here to help you stay informed and healthy.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening with Your Broomfield Dentist
If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, there’s no better time than during Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Ken Burns and Dr. Alex McNeeley keep your smile healthy and help you maintain overall wellness.
Oral cancer is treatable when detected early, and regular visits to your Broomfield dentist can significantly improve your chances of catching it in its early stages. Let’s work together to spread awareness this November and ensure everyone has the tools to protect themselves from mouth cancer. Contact Broadlands Family Dentistry today to schedule your next check-up and oral cancer screening. We’re here to provide compassionate, thorough care every step of the way.
