Everyone knows that dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

But did you know they play a crucial role in defending you against cancer too?

At Dublin 18 Dental Rooms, we know that your mouth can affect the rest of your body and so, during your biannual checkup with our dentist Dublin, we will be sure to check you for signs of oral cancer and, if we spot anything to be concerned about, we will refer you to a hospital immediately.

With that in mind, what exactly are some of the warning signs of oral cancer that you can look out for during your twice-a-day brushing routine? Our dentist Dublin answers that question and others below.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Some general warning signs could point to oral cancer and, if you notice them, contact our dentist Dublin immediately for a checkup. These signs include but are not limited to lumps, bumps, and swellings that are inside or around the mouth or on the lips.

Another sign to look out for is the presence of ulcers that show up often, are larger than a 5 pence piece or bleed when touched. If you have problems chewing, swallowing or speaking, then you may need to contact our team for a checkup and an oral cancer screening.

Risk factors

As is the way with most cancers, you can have a heightened risk for the condition due to genetics; if someone in your family has had oral cancer, then we recommend regular screening for it.

Also, if you smoke or chew tobacco, spend long periods in the sun or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, your chances of developing oral cancer can go up. There has also been a link discovered between certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the development of oral cancer so, if you have had this ailment in the past, please contact us right away.

How is it diagnosed?

We check for oral cancer during a standard checkup by feeling around for lumps and other swellings in your mouth. We will also look for any oddly coloured areas of tissue and ask you to move your mouth and jaw into certain positions to determine if you have any hidden growths.

If we suspect that you have a lump that looks worrying or detect any related problems using an x-ray, we will refer you to a hospital for more detailed biopsies and diagnostic tests.

Treatment

Should you be diagnosed with oral cancer in the early stages, there is a very high chance that you will make a full recovery. Treatments for it include radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

How to prevent it

To prevent oral cancer, we recommend that you stop consuming any tobacco-based products and reduce your alcohol intake. Furthermore, you must aim to reduce your exposure to the sun and, if you work outside, wear a strong anti-UV sunblock. And, of course, make it a point to see our team every 6 months for a checkup!