white tongue in asian woman caused by debris, bacteria and dead cells getting lodged on isolated white background use for health care concept.Keeping your oral health up-to-date consists of more than just ensuring you are flossing and brushing your teeth regularly. In fact, it involves taking care of all aspects that contribute to it, including every portion of your oral cavity. Indeed, your teeth are a primary focus, but they are not the only ones to care about. Your gums, tissues, and other structures all require a baseline of care, and our team is dedicated to making sure you receive it. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist takes a look at a nontraditional threat you might not think to look at known as oral cancer, and how it can be more harmful than expected.

It Can Affect Anyone

There is often a common misconception that oral cancer only impacts those who smoke or use tobacco products. While this is certainly a risk factor, it is not the only determinant. In fact, oral cancer can impact anyone of any age at any given time. This makes this phenomenon a bigger threat than previously anticipated, which is why it is imperative now more than ever that you seek the necessary treatment and care in order to mitigate its effects.

Those who are affected by this phenomenon often endure a few telltale signs or symptoms. These can include a rough red or white patch present on the lips, tongue, or throat, alarmingly loose teeth, and even the development of bumps or other abnormalities. If you suspect you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team today.

Why Stay on Top of Health

Unlike other concerns, oral concerns will never simply go away with time. In fact, the opposite is true in that your condition will only get worse the longer you go without treatment. There is no definite way to prevent its onset with respect to oral cancer, but you can take a few steps to minimize your chances of developing the concern. These include ceasing use of or never starting the use of tobacco products, minimizing alcohol consumption, and making sure you do not endure excessive sun exposure to the lips. For more information, reach out to our team today.

Just Part of Your Family Checkup

In addition to these steps, the number one way to stay on top of your health is to attend your routine dental visits in order to monitor development. Here, our team can inform you of your best options and even perform a cancer screening to make sure all is well.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to learn more about the need for effective dental treatment, or schedule your appointment with a member of our team today.