Oral Health at American Hospital Dubai

Oral or mouth cancer is the most common form of head and neck cancer. It typically affects people over 60 years and above. 

Oral cancer affects the lips, roof and floor of the mouth, the tongue, tonsils, and the sides and back of the throat. The symptoms often appear as white patches or bleeding sores that are common mouth issues, but what differentiates oral cancer symptoms is the sores do not heal and persist for more than a month. About 11 in 100,000 people will develop oral cancer, and men are more likely to get it.

Oral cancer risk factors include:

• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
• Using smokeless tobacco products.
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV).
• Family history of oral cancer.

Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

• Sores that bleed easily and don’t heal within two weeks.
• Areas in the mouth that bleed for no apparent reason.
• Numbness, pain or tenderness on face, neck, or mouth without cause.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving jaw or tongue.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Chronic bad breath.

Tips to prevent oral cancer:

• Quit smoking. Ask your dentist about smoking cessation programs.
• Use sunscreen UV-AB-blocking sunscreen on the face and lips.
• Get vaccinated for human papillomavirus.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get regular dental checkups. People between the age of 20-40 should have oral cancer screening every three years and annual exams after age 40.

Regular dental checkups are essential to detect oral cancer in its early stages.

Your dentist should do an intraoral check, head, and neck visual and physical exam, looking for any lumps, sores, or irregular tissue changes, including discoloration.

If they detect anything suspicious, they may recommend a biopsy or refer you to an oral surgeon.