The typical response to how to handle oral cancer is to prevent it with proper brushing and flossing. But are there no other ways to fight the takeover of mouth cancer? Northview Dental wants to help our patients have current and effective information to help keep their teeth and mouth healthy. Learning about what oral cancer is and how to treat it can save your mouth. Read below for updated information on oral cancer and some non-medical treatment methods.
More About Oral Cancer
Like other cancers, sometimes you can just not avoid the extra growth of cells, or your genetics put you at a disadvantage. Cancer usually appears as a growth or sore that will not go away and can take place on the lips, tongues, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palates, sinuses, and throat. If the oral cancer term is expanded to include larynx, lymphoma, laryngeal, and other cancers, the number increased to approximately 54,000 individuals that are infected.
Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women, especially if they are over the age of 50. Ethnicity also plays a large role in the rate of oral cancer growth. Oral cancer occurs twice as often in Blacks than it does in whites, and the survival statistics of the cancer are poorer (33%) in Blacks.
Those who are more susceptible to HPV may also be at higher risk for oral cancer. But only around 1% of those infected with HPV have a lack of immune response that would lead to the infection spreading and causing oropharyngeal cancer.
The overall death rate of oral cancer has been decreasing over the last 30 years.
There are other risk factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer. Some of these common risks include:
- Smoking
- Other tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure
- Age
- Gender
- And poor diet
Some less common factors include:
- HPV
- Family history of cancer
- Iron deficiency
- Genetic syndromes such as Fanconi anemia and Dyskeratosis congenita
- Certain mouthwashes
- Irritation from dentures
The American Cancer Society has more information on each risk factor. Some risk factors are lifestyle changes and can be improved, whereas genetics can not be changed. Cancer just may be unavoidable for some people, but proper oral care, dental cleanings, and more can help limit the growth of bacteria.
Treatment Methods
Current treatment methods have advanced over the years, which means that survival rates for oral cancers have also improved. While research shows that dental cleanings, brushings, and proper diet can help prevent oral cancer, there are other natural methods that may help to treat current patients with oral cancer. Even with medical advances, there are no comprehensive programs to screen for oral cancer, making it hard to detect and treat.
Antioxidants including Beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C can help stop the growth of cancer cells. These can protect the lips and limit tissue damage in the mouth. Foods like mushrooms, cabbage, and cauliflower are known as “cruciferous vegetables” which have been reported to slow cancer cell growth or stop them from growing in the first place.
Olive oil can also help fight cancer and has other health benefits like reducing type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis.
Northview Dental Cleanings and Exams
Visiting the dentist regularly can help detect oral cancer and other problems early. This can ensure that your mouth, tongue, and other parts of your mouth heal properly and stay beautiful. Northview Dental offers regular dental checkups and cosmetic dentistry services to help improve your smile.
We are committed to providing high-quality dental services for an affordable price. With multiple dentists and hygienists, we can serve many patients with diverse needs. Our team wants to help those of all ages achieve the best oral health through dental care. For those in the Ogden area, Northview is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find forms on our website to fill out before your visit.
