A Guide to Preventing and Proactively Caring for Oral Cancers at the Dentist’s Office

Early knowledge is indeed power. In terms of treating oral cancer, it is a lifesaver. As with other cancers, oral and pharyngeal cancers are easier to successfully treat when detected early. Survival rates decrease after the disease has spread to local or distant tissues.

We encourage all patients to get into a healthy habit of routine dental check-ups at Orange And Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California. During these check-ups, our team cleans your teeth and gums. Our dentist, Dr. Joyce Kahng, also examines your teeth, gums, and mouth. A test may be ordered to evaluate suspicious areas further.

Oral Cancer 101

Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth) can generally arise in any oral tissue. These areas include:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Gums
• Lining of the cheeks
• Floor of the mouth
• Roof of the mouth (palate)
• Toward the back of the mouth (behind the wisdom teeth)

Likewise, pharyngeal cancers arise in the pharynx (throat). Cancers may be detected in the upper throat, behind the nose, all the way down to the bottom part of the throat, and the larynx (voice box).

Prevention, Proactive Care

Oral cancer screening is fundamental to routine dental check-ups and preventive dental care. During these appointments, we get to know your risk factors for oral conditions, including cancer. Smoking and the use of any tobacco products can increase your risk of developing mouth cancers. Other risk factors include:

• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Exposure to UV rays (lip cancers)
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Impaired immunity

We work with you to minimize or eliminate these risk factors. Knowing these factors allows us to tailor a preventive program to your unique needs. Dr. Kahng will feel for lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities by touch during screenings. She will also look for potential cancer symptoms, such as discolored patches or sores.

We encourage you to share any changes you have noticed with your dentist. Potential trouble signs include problems with swallowing and changes with your oral appliances or dentures fit. You may also experience mouth or ear pain or find that some patches or sores refuse to heal. All of these concerns should be brought to our attention sooner rather than later.

For any areas that Dr. Kahng cannot see or feel, she uses precision technologies to isolate potential abnormalities. A small sample of tissue may be taken or biopsied. The cells are analyzed to rule out cancer or to confirm a diagnosis. As soon as we know what is responsible for any symptoms present, we can make an appropriate recommendation for intervention to resolve the underlying condition and restore your comfort and healthy function.

Call us without delay at (949) 867-4346. Our dental studio is conveniently located at the corner of Orange Avenue and Magnolia Street.