Oral cancer may not be something that you hear too often, but it is a severe illness that affects over 54,010 adults in the United States. Beautiful Smiles is the first line of defense in the fight to prevent oral cancer in those living in Gurnee (Park City, IL) and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Prevention of oral cancer and detecting it at an early stage is of crucial importance to our doctors and our patients. Luckily, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for all people is 85%.
Avoid the Extreme Dangers of Oral Cancer
At Beautiful Smiles Dental, our number one goal is to inform patients about the risks that they have not only to their oral health but that of their entire body as well. That is why we want to educate our patients about the ways they can avoid the extreme dangers of oral cancer and the steps they can take to evade the hardship battle that comes with it. Keep reading to learn more about oral cancer and how you can save yourself and your family from a lifetime of suffering.
Are you Concerned About Oral Cancer? Get Checked in Gurnee Today!
Oral cancer screenings are the number one way to assess your oral health and ensure that you are not affected by this terrible illness. At Beautiful Smiles, we look for any signs of abnormal tissue. We typically see visual cues during our screenings such as:
- Red and white bumps
- Rough patches
- Hard to explain position changes in the teeth
- Hard lumps
Watching your Overall Intake of Alcohol
Enjoying a few beers or the occasional glass of wine isn’t going to be a severe risk factor to your oral health. However, those who consume alcohol regularly on a daily basis are at a heightened risk. While paired with smoking, alcohol the two are associated with approximately 75% of upper aerodigestive tract cancers. It’s critical to remember that most alcohols are filled with high amounts of sugar, something that not only poses a risk of you developing oral cancer but can also lead to tooth loss and gum disease. While you don’t cut the occasional drink completely out, watch out for over-consumption of alcoholic beverages.
 Stay Away from Smoking, Including Electronic Cigarettes
The CDC calculates tobacco use generates 5 million deaths worldwide. While no product containing nicotine or tobacco is safe, the use of cigarettes, cigars and E-cigarettes have been one of the leading causes of oral cancer in the world. The chemicals used in these products directly change the cells in the mouth, leading to the development of oral cancer.
 Overexposure to the Sun
Unknown to many, but taking in too much exposure to direct sunlight may put a patient at serious risk of developing oral cancer. Sunlight is the primary source of UV light. Therefore, cancers of the lip are more common in people who have outdoor jobs who are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. If you work every single day outdoors or like to spend a lot of time at the beach, just like any other part of your body, make sure that you are protected at all times. This includes putting on the appropriate amount of sunscreen and wearing clothes that block the UV radiation, especially when partaking in activities outdoors.
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Dr. Galvez – Your Locally Trusted Dentist in Park City, IL Wants to Let You Know…
When we hear about cancer, we usually think about other parts of the body and don’t think about the fact that our mouth can also be affected by this life-altering illness. We know getting screened for oral cancer seems scary, but it’s the only way that you can know for sure if you are at risk. As we mentioned above, early detection is critical to survival.
Our expert team of dental, oral health professionals in Gurnee (Park City, IL) highly recommend that anyone over the age of 20 gets screened for oral cancer every 2 or 3 years, while those over 40 get screened annually. Oral cancer includes the back of the throat and the mouth with a wide array of signs and symptoms. While checking for the signs is essential, the only way to honestly know if you are suffering from oral cancer is to visit a dental professional regularly. Some of the common signs of oral cancer include:
- A mouth or lip sore that won’t go away.
- A white, reddish, or black discoloration in the gums.
- A growth or lump develops inside the mouth.
- Mouth pain.
- Loose teeth.
- Difficult or painful swallowing or chewing, persisting for more than two weeks.
- Persistent painful cough.
- Unexplained weight loss.
When you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center immediately so we can perform a detailed diagnosis and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. The only way to avoid oral cancer is to listen to the advice and knowledge of your dentist.
Getting Treated for Oral Cancer By Dental Specialists in Gurnee & Park City, IL
When you are diagnosed with oral cancer, your dentist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will evaluate the stage in which it’s in. The treatment procedure will depend on the stage of oral cancer you are in, outlining the importance of just how vital constant screenings are. If diagnosed with oral cancer, our team will be by your side, doing whatever possible to ensure that you beat it with as much support as possible.
Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center to Schedule an Advanced Oral Cancer Screening & Examination
At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we genuinely care about the oral health of each of our patients and take the time to personally care for each of our dental patients, no matter their oral concerns or issues.
Come in today, get screened, and speak with Dr. Galvez about any dental or oral problems that you may have. Our highly-qualified dental team is always here for you!
Contact us today to ensure that your oral health is better than ever! Get directions, (HERE) to our oral screening clinic conveniently located in Gurnee – (Park City, IL).
