Regularly taking care of your teeth and gums may not just save your smile, it could very well save your life. Research suggests an association between periodontal disease and certain types of cancer. Detecting the difference between gingivitis, gum disease, and oral cancer can often be difficult. This article will assist in differentiating between the three. In addition, it will give you all the necessary preventative steps to follow in steering clear of oral cancer, beginning with the control of gingivitis before it gets to its progressive stages.

Gingivitis And Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis begins as the inflammation and redness of the gums surrounding a tooth or number of teeth. Typically when brushed with a toothbrush, the affected area tends to bleed. Bleeding, in conjunction with inflammation and redness of the gums, are the main signs of gingivitis. This tenderness, swelling, and redness are caused initially by the buildup of plaque without being cleaned our removed.

As gingivitis continues to go untreated, it progresses into a more serious health condition. Periodontal disease is caused by the bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums. This bacterial infection, in conjunction with gum inflammation, eventually causes loss of bone that supports the teeth. Therefore, a consequence of the resulting bone loss is the loss of teeth. In severe stages of periodontal disease, it is common for the bone to no longer sustain or supports the teeth.

Gum Disease And Oral Cancer

Periodontal health and oral cancer both live within the oral cavity. They are directly linked when one’s periodontal health has been neglected or has progressed into some stage of oral cancer. Periodontal disease (gum disease), as explained above, is a progressive form of gingivitis that often leads to Oral Cancer when left untreated.

Oral cancer is currently the 6th most common cancer in the United States and in the past 30 years, there have been no significant strides in improving treatments or survival rates of Oral Cancer cases. Why? Studies show that reliable early detection techniques are lacking, and by the time most people with gum disease seek medical care, it has often advanced into early or late stages of oral cancer.

Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

Due to the lack of reliable early detection, it is of utmost importance for you to follow three steps. Stay on top of your oral maintenance, get yourself familiar with the many symptoms of mouth cancers, and seek medical care if you experience any of the following suspicious signs or symptoms:

  • Oral lump, lesion, or ulcer on the tongue, lip, or other areas of the mouth. These normally appear as a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue. While they are usually pale in color, they may also appear dark or discolored.
  • Mouth sores, or a persistently abnormal/unusual taste in the mouth. These sores are often painless at first, however, they may develop a burning sensation or pain in their advanced stages
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unexplained tongue pain or issues

Risk Factors Of Oral Cancer

Risk factors of oral cancer include:

  • Tobacco use (including chewing tobacco or snuff) is associated with 70 – 80% of oral cancer cases
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings)
  • Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)
  • Over 40 years of age

Gum Disease And Other Related Cancers

Other cancers related to the negligence of one’s oral health, mainly to the progression of Periodontal Disease, include but are not limited to the following:

  • Lung Cancer
  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Head and Neck Cancers

Oral Cancer Prevention

You should see your dentist regularly for a dental examination and preventive care. Many oral cancers can be discovered by routine dental examination. Any mouth sore that does not go away after two weeks is cause for concern and may be an early sign of mouth cancer. Other preventative tips include:

  • Avoid alcohol use
  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • Minimize or avoid the act of smoking or use of tobacco
  • Have any dental issues addressed and corrected immediately

Visit our professionals at Laser Periodontics & Gum Surgery — one visit can save your life! Call (877)440-3564 to schedule your appointment. We pride ourselves on being as thorough as possible so each and every patient maintains outstanding oral health. If we are presented with a progressive case of Periodontal Disease (gum disease), our trained and qualified professionals will stop at nothing to provide the patient with an appropriate solution. Oral Cancer screenings are part of our daily routine here at Advanced Periodontics. Schedule your visit and we will take care of the rest.