Everybody loves Fridays. It’s usually that time of week when everyone meets at the bar to guzzle copious amounts of booze and then crawl back home. Strictly speaking, Friday is your liver’s Monday. While alcohol causes a variety of positive feelings like euphoria and relaxation, consuming too much may result in increased chances of developing oral cancer. If you’ve been passing out a lot during Friday nights, then you may want to visit a reputable Concord NC dentist like Dr. Clifford C.Compton.
According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol users are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-alcohol users. Basically, the more alcohol a person consumes, the greater the risk he’s putting himself in.
Oral cancer is a kind of cancer that attacks the head and neck. It can develop in any part of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Oral cancer often begins in the flat cells of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Once cancerous cells spread to the body, they travel through the lymphatic system (which is responsible for aiding the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste) and start to appear on nearby lymph nodes in the neck.
The terrifying part of oral cancer is it can impair the functions of the mouth. Symptoms of the disease include difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and moving the jaw or tongue. Patients may also feel soreness in the throat and numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth. In the event that you experience any of these symptoms, visit a physician or dentist Concord residents recommend and receive oral cancer screenings.
During an oral cancer screening, the dentist will check the inside of your mouth and inspect for red and white patches or sores. With gloved hands, the dentist will feel the tissues in your mouth to check for any abnormalities. Don’t be alarmed if the dentist detects any abnormal sores in your mouth, as not all of them are cancerous. However, this does not mean there’s no need to minimize your alcohol intake.
High risk patients should opt for oral cancer screenings. It is often covered by insurance, so there’s no need to worry about your wallet’s health. While screening may not definitively determine whether you have oral cancer, it’s a good start to be familiar with your mouth’s health.
The mouth is an important part of the body. Other than aiding in food intake, it’s responsible for communication and a normal appearance. Take better care of your mouth and observe what you eat or drink. A dentist Concord NC health experts recommend can help you strengthen the mouth’s defenses against diseases.
