4 Myths About Oral Cancer You Should Know

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Oral cancer isn’t something that people think of first when contemplating going to the dentist. But did you know your dentist is on the front line when it comes to detecting oral cancer? Who better to detect the early signs that are hard or impossible for a person to see in their bathroom mirror at home? This is why your dentist at A Beautiful Smile, The Office of Dr. Gina Mancini encourages you to get oral cancer screenings in Jacksonville, NC whenever you come to visit. Make sure you’re informed about this insidious disease. Here are four myths to know about oral cancer.

Myth 1: Only Smokers Get Oral Cancer

While smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors, non-smokers can still develop oral cancer. Other causes include heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips, and even genetic predisposition.

Myth 2: Oral Cancer Only Affects Older Adults

Although age can increase risk, oral cancer is not limited to older adults. In recent years, more young adults have been diagnosed with oral cancers linked to HPV, making it important for everyone—regardless of age—to stay informed and proactive.

Myth 3: Oral Cancer Is Easy to Spot

Some people believe oral cancer always causes obvious symptoms, but it can be painless and subtle in its early stages. A small sore, lump or color change in the mouth may go unnoticed without a professional screening.

Myth 4: If It Doesn’t Hurt, It’s Not Serious

Pain isn’t always a reliable indicator of a problem. Many early oral cancers are painless, which is why regular dental check-ups are vital for catching signs you might otherwise ignore.

Understanding the realities of oral cancer can lead to earlier detection, better outcomes and greater awareness. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Visit your Jacksonville, NC dentist today for an oral cancer screening.

5 Signs of Oral Cancer 

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No one wants to hear the word “cancer,” but at A Beautiful Smile, we want to inform and educate our patients so they can take charge of their health. Oral cancer, when caught early, has several successful treatment options available. The key is getting a screening at the first sign of a problem. Here are five signs that you should make an appointment with our team for an oral cancer screening.

1. Cold Sores That Don’t Heal

When is a cold sore more than just a cold sore? The answer to that question depends on if the cold sore is going away or lingering for weeks and even months. This condition, though common, can also be a sign of oral cancer. Schedule a screening if you have a cold sore that just isn’t getting better.

2. Lumps or Thickening

Lumps or thickening of the skin on the lips or cheeks can also indicate oral cancer. This isn’t a normal sign of aging. Similarly, unexplained swelling of the mouth or jaw can be a sign. If you notice this, get a screening right away.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

While difficulty swallowing can stem from a number of potential causes, it can indicate cancer near the back of the mouth or in the throat. Regardless of the cause, you should get this looked at to improve your quality of life.

4. Loose Teeth

Adult teeth should not become loose. While bone loss due to aging can cause this, so can oral cancer. Both require a visit to the dentist in Jacksonville, NC.

5. White Patches

Finally, areas of white patches in the mouth are signs of an underlying health issue, and one potential issue could be cancer. Again, this requires a screening appointment to figure out the cause.

If you’re noticing any of these signs and symptoms, contact Dr. Gina Mancini at A Beautiful Smile to schedule a screening appointment.

Oral Cancer: It Can Happen to You

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Each time you visit your Jacksonville, NC, dentist, you have the chance to have an oral cancer screening. Having these screenings on a regular basis is important for your overall health. Many people believe that oral cancer is rare or that they personally are very unlikely to develop it. However, oral cancer happens more often than you may think.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is the term used for cancer that occurs anywhere in the mouth, the sinuses or the throat. Note that it’s not just the gum tissue where oral cancer can develop. It may also occur on the tongue, cheeks, soft palate, hard palate, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer is just as serious as other kinds of cancers, and, like other cancers, early detection is key to survival. Left undiagnosed and untreated, oral cancer can be fatal.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

One dangerous misconception about oral cancer is that it only happens to people who smoke. This myth gives the general population a false sense of complacency where oral cancer is concerned. In fact, there are many risk factors for oral cancer aside from smoking. They are:

  • Alcoholism
  • Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds
  • History of HPV (human papillomavirus)
  • Genetics

The genetic component of oral cancer risk is worth further explanation. If you have a family member who has oral or another type of cancer, your risk for oral cancer is higher, even if you have a different lifestyle. This is partially due to certain genetic mutations and inherited conditions.

Cancer Screenings in Jacksonville, Florida

With routine oral cancer screenings in Jacksonville, FL, you can do your part to help ensure the best chances of early detection and subsequent treatment. Contact us today to book your next dental exam. We look forward to seeing you!

An Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life

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Dentists are in a unique position to spot signs of oral cancer that patients might recognize. Here at A Beautiful Smile, Dr. Gina Mancini and Dr. Savanna Fonkert make it a point to include oral cancer screening in Jacksonville, NC, with every routine exam. Our dentists examine your tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and the top and bottom of your mouth to look for signs of this potentially deadly disease.

Every year, approximately 54,000 Americans learn that they have oral cancer. The disease has a 5-year survival rate of 57 percent. The sooner you receive a diagnosis of oral cancer, the sooner you can begin treatment and increase your odds of being part of that percentage.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

A red or white patch anywhere in your mouth could be a warning sign of oral cancer. White patches are cancerous 25 percent of the time, whereas 90 percent of red patches in the mouth contain cancer. If you notice these patches or any of the other symptoms indicated below, please contact us right away.

  • A thickening or mass anywhere on the cheek, face, gums, jaw, or tongue
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Feeling a lump in the neck
  • Loose teeth
  • Mouth pain or increased discomfort while wearing dentures
  • Non-healing sore
  • Problems chewing or swallowing
  • Problems moving your jaw or tongue
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss

Although you cannot always prevent getting oral cancer, you can reduce your risk by quitting smoking, limiting alcoholic drinks, and taking precautions when in the sun to avoid lip cancer.

Schedule an Appointment with Us Today

The name of our dental practice says it all. We want to see you continue to have A Beautiful Smile. Please schedule a preventive care exam and let us know if you have experienced any of the above symptoms before we perform an oral cancer screening in Jacksonville, NC.

How a Trip to the Dentist Could Save Your Life

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You visit Gina Mancini Family & Cosmetic Dentistry every six months for a checkup and cleaning. While these exams help to preserve your oral health, did you know that Dr. Mancini could actually save your life?

Oral cancer screening in Jacksonville, NC, is part of the typical exam at our dental practice. Patients between 20 and 40 years old should have an oral cancer screening performed at least once every three years. That recommendation jumps to once a year for patients over age 40.

What is Oral Cancer?

Cancer can develop anywhere in your body, even inside your mouth. Here are the most common places for cancer to form in the oral cavity:

  • Gums
  • Lining of your cheek
  • Lips
  • Roof and/or floor of your mouth
  • Tongue
  • Tonsils

The first signs of oral cancer often aren’t visible just by looking in your mouth. Dr. Mancini uses X-rays and special magnifying equipment to see if she can spot unusual bumps or lesions. Cancers originating in the head or neck are common, affecting approximately 54,000 people in the United States each year. The sooner you receive a diagnosis of oral cancer, the more likely it is that you will beat the disease.

Keep in mind that dentists cannot specifically diagnose oral cancer. What they can do is refer you to an oncologist for further investigation of any suspicious spots.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer

Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and frequent suntanning can all increase your risk of developing head or neck cancer. Other risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, are outside your control. If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening in Jacksonville, NC, within the recommended timeframe, please let us know at your next checkup. We want to see your smiling face for a long time to come.