As caring dental professionals at Miami Designer Smiles, we aim not just to provide exceptional cosmetic services, but also to assist in your overall oral health. An essential part of that assistance involves helping patients understand oral health conditions and how to prevent them—particularly oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to any cancer that develops in the mouth. It may emerge on your lips, tongue, gums, the inside of your cheeks, on the roof or floor of the mouth, and even in your throat. One of our main duties as your dental health providers is routinely performing oral exams that may identify early signs of oral cancer—a critical task as early detection can vastly improve the prognosis.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Being aware of the symptoms of oral cancer can help in its early detection. Symptoms include:
- Sores on the lips or in the mouth that don’t heal
- Persistent mouth pain
- Lumps, thickenings in the oral tissue, or bumps
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth
- A feeling that something is stuck at the back of the throat
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly
- Loose teeth without an apparent cause
- Consistent bad breath
If you notice any of these symptoms and they persist for more than two weeks, contact Miami Designer Smiles, your trusted dental practice in Miami, for an appointment.
Dental Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
Dentists play a vital role in the early detection of oral cancer. At Miami Designer Smiles – helmed by Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia – we’re committed to providing comprehensive oral exams as part of your regular checkups. We use advanced technologies such as salivary diagnostics to ensure the most accurate results and diagnosis.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Oral cancer prevention includes taking measures against risk factors and seeking regular oral exams. Here are some strategies you can follow:
- Regular dental checkups: Regular checkups ensure early detection and intervention. Your dentist can detect abnormal oral tissue or cells likely to become cancerous.
- Quit tobacco: If you’re a smoker or chew tobacco, quitting is your strongest defense against oral cancer. Tobacco in any form increases your oral cancer risk.
- Limited alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol drinking can also increase oral cancer risk. Moderation can significantly contribute to prevention.
- Healthy diet: Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables can lower your risk of oral cancer.
- Sun protection: Always apply an SPF 15 or higher lip balm when you’re out in the sun as prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of lip cancer.
- HPV Vaccination: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with certain oral cancers. Getting vaccinated reduces oral cancer risk.
Importance of Oral Health in Oral Cancer Prevention
The healthier your mouth is, the less chance harmful cells have to develop and cause problems. Simple routines such as brushing twice daily, regular flossing, eating balanced meals, and visiting your dentist at Miami Designer Smiles for regular checkups and cleaning can prove vital in keeping your mouth healthy and preventing oral cancers.
The Role of Miami Designer Smiles in Oral Cancer Prevention
At Miami Designer Smiles, we believe in comprehensive dental care that goes beyond cosmetic services. This care includes aiding our patients in their understanding of oral health conditions and how to prevent them.
Our experienced and proficient dentists, Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia, are dedicated to delivering the highest quality oral care. Whether it’s general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, or vital preventive care, Miami Designer Smiles is ready to be your trusted partner in oral health.
Don’t let oral health problems sneak up on you. Stay vigilant, know the signs, and remember—the team at Miami Designer Smiles is always here for your comprehensive oral health needs.