Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

Around 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year - with only 45% of those diagnosed surviving more than five years. Cases of mouth cancer or oral cancer have risen by 20% in the past 30 years. It affects twice as many men as women.

Cancer is an abnormal and excessive growth of cells. Scientists are still trying to figure out all of the causes and cures of oral cancer. They do know however, that oral cancer is almost always caused by chewing tobacco. Tobacco use and prolonged, heavy alcohol drinking are the biggest risk factors, but it has also recently been determined that the presence of oral HPV is also a clear risk factor for the disease.

Recommendations for the prevention of oral cancer includes abstinence from all types of tobacco, only moderate alcohol consumption, limited exposure to UV light and use of a SPF 15 lip balm to protect against cancer of the lips. At Dream Smile Dental, we also recommend avoiding sources of oral irritation like poorly fitting dentures, eating the required daily servings of vegetables, fruits and whole-grains and regular dental checkups including an oral cancer exam.

Often, oral cancer is discovered too late, which is the main reason for the high death rate. Early detection and diagnosis is imperative in increasing life expectancy; it is 90% curable when found in the early stages. However, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

At Dream Smile Dental, our practice has incorporated VELscope, the most powerful tool available for the discovery of oral abnormal cell growth for up to 5 years before it rises to the surface and can be seen by the naked eye. If you are concerned, or have never been screened for oral cancer, contact us.

Alarmingly, one American dies every hour from oral cancer, and this has remained unchanged for the last 40 years. Often, oral cancer is discovered too late in stage development, which is the main reason for the consistently high death rate.

With early detection, the chance for a cure is high. And now it is easier than ever to detect it. With early detection and diagnosis life expectancy can be increased; it is 90% curable when found in the early stages but 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

Most often occurring in those who use tobacco in any form, oral cancer can also occur in people who do not smoke and have no other known risk factors. Oral Cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth: the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate. It can also cause a change in the way the teeth fit together.

Signs of Oral Cancer include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A color change of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.

If you believe that you or someone you care about may have oral cancer, it is important to have that spot checked. Please contact Dream Smile Dental for a consultation.

Oral cancer or medically known as oral cavity cancer, is any type of cancerous tissue development which is located in the oral cavity. It can originate in any tissues of the tongue and mouth which could be of any histolgic type (tumor) - teratoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or any other lymphoid tissue. Below are a few symptoms of oral cancer that you should be aware of:

• Red and white patches inside the mouth and lips
• Sore lip
• Mouth bleeding
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Difficulty wearing dentures
• Neck lump
• Pain in the ears

Almost 90% of oral cancer cases are carcinomas, originating mostly in the mouth and lips. These Squamous carcinomas are malignant tumors which spreads rapidly within nasal cavity, sinus and to the head and neck. The mortality rate for oral cancer is 35%. The reason why there is a low mortality rate for this type of cancer is that because most cases are not detected early. Prevention is the key to avoid this dreaded disease. Below are some known risk factors:

1. History of neck and head cancer
People who have had a experienced neck and head cancer are much prone in developing another cancer type or ordinary disease located in the head and neck.

2. Tobacco
Smoking is the number one cause for oral cancer. Any type of tobacco products like cigarette, pipes and cigars all can cause cancer. People who are heavy smokers are at higher risk for this disease.

3. Alcohol
Alcohol contributes highly to this type of cancer especially if the patient is a smoker or using any type of tobacco. Alcohol abuse can fasten the development of cancer by three folds than those people who don't drink.

Most importantly we have a machine called the Velscope that can detect a cancer below the surface up to 5 years before it becomes visibly noticeable.  This can save a person from having major reconstructive surgery which will alter their face (like the recent case of Robert Ebert from Siskel and Ebert movie critics).  He lost his whole lower face and can't speak.  The Velscope can help in catching cancer early and preventing these situations.


Oral cancer is a silent type of cancer disease which is deadly and life threatening. The only solution is to avoid this risk factors at all cost. The most known factor is tobacco so better cease smoking from now on to prevent any diseases such as this. Prevention is better than cure, take note of that! Contact us today if you or a loved one has any of the symptoms listed above. Also its best that when you schedule your next appointment that you talk with your dentist about oral cancer and more prevention methods.