Lybrook Dental Center – Fruita Times Featured Article – November 2009

By Dr. Carol Lybrook
Editor’s Note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook, along with husband Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in Fruita.

As a dentist, I am very optimistic about the recent good news about progress against this particular cancer. It’s now easier than ever to detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great.  Today, your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. You and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer. Know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.

Things You Should Know About Oral Cancer:

Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.

It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.

Other signs include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A color change of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Oral Cancer most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form.
• Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer.
• Oral cancers can occur in people who do not smoke and have no other known risk factors.

Regular Dental Check-ups Important

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.

Your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue and in some patients may notice a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore. Although most of these are harmless, some are not. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless, but testing can tell them apart. If you have a sore with a likely cause, your dentist may treat it and ask you to return for re-examination.

Prevention and Detection

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use. Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for oral cancer screenings can help prevent this deadly disease.

Oral cancer can happen to all of us. Prevention and detection play an important role. Are you taking the right steps? Talk to your dentist today about an oral cancer screening.