A surgeon is raising concerns about the risks associated with neglecting regular dental check-ups.
While many people might think a dentist’s main role is to maintain dental hygiene and prevent cavities, missing these crucial appointments could mean overlooking the opportunity to detect a potentially fatal cancer at an early stage, warns a surgeon.
In the United States, oral cancers represent 2.1 percent of cancer deaths this year, with the National Cancer Institute estimating it will result in the deaths of 12,770 Americans.
The American Cancer Society notes that oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, a type of head and neck cancer found in the throat behind the mouth, frequently appear on the tongue, tonsils, gums, or other areas of the mouth, and sometimes on the lips and minor salivary glands on the roof of the mouth.
It’s not surprising, then, that dentists are often the first to spot signs of oral cancer, identifying abnormalities that might go unnoticed by patients and other healthcare providers.
Dr. Andrej Bozic, from Dentum in Croatia, stated, “Your dentist isn’t only checking for cavities. We also look for patches, ulcers or lumps at the back of the mouth and throat – things you might not notice yourself.
“Ignoring those check-ups could mean missing an early cancer diagnosis.”
Dentists are vigilant for lumps or unusual patches in the mouth and throat, such as ulcers or unusual white and red patches.
If swallowing becomes difficult or there’s a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it might be time to consult a medical professional.
“If any of these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, see your dentist or GP straight away,” Dr. Bozic advised. “Early throat cancers caught by dentists have far better outcomes.”
This means that preventing throat cancer can be as simple as maintaining dental appointments every six months. A particular case study by Dentistry emphasized this when a father of four ignored a sore throat for months until his dental visit.
Robert Powell’s dentist noticed something concerning in his mouth and referred him to a doctor, leading to the discovery of cancer in his tonsils.
Thankfully, Robert recovered following rigorous chemotherapy and radiotherapy, though he notes some lingering side effects.
“You can’t be complacent and think it won’t happen to you,” he said. “Regular dental check-ups really can be a matter of life or death.”
Gateway Dental reported a similar occurrence where the practice potentially saved another man’s life.
The patient initially reported mild mouth discomfort to his doctor, who found nothing of concern.
A month later, a dentist conducted an oral cancer screening and urgently referred the patient, resulting in a diagnosis of advanced oral cancer.
“Had this lesion gone undetected for much longer, the prognosis could have been devastating,” the practice reported. “Thanks to early detection and swift action, the patient underwent life-saving treatment and is alive today.
“This case underscores an alarming reality: even trained medical professionals may overlook oral cancer, but dentists—who examine the mouth in detail every day—are uniquely positioned to catch it early.”
Oral cancer is often considered a ‘silent threat,’ with few obvious symptoms and sometimes minimal pain. When signs do appear, the cancer may have reached an advanced, potentially fatal stage.
Gateway Dental states that oral cancer has a survival rate of up to 90 percent when detected early.
For those impacted by these concerns and seeking confidential support, the American Cancer Society is available at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, accessible 24/7 throughout the year.