Dental

Gum Disease and Oral Cancer- The Risks and Prevention

Gum diseases are far more common as compared to any cancer associated with gums. As far as gum cancer is concerned, it is something that you will grow outwardly from your gums. It is in the form of a mass that can be either white or red. 

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is caused by bacteria that lead to infection, and specific symptoms can be observed. Symptoms include swelling in the gums and tenderness, and there can be pain as well. It is usually caused when the person does not maintain proper oral hygiene. 

In Hanover, residents can seek dental treatment quickly by reaching out to professionals. The first step to avoid any such things from happening is to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, such as flossing at least once a day and brushing twice a day. 

Gum diseases usually become more prevalent in patients who do not take care of their oral health. Once the gum disease makes it to its later stages, the only thing that can be done is to remove the tooth that might be causing the problem. Contact a Hanover dentist and get your dental issues checked at the earliest. 

Can gingivitis lead to gum cancer?

There is no precise data that would support the link; however, if someone is habitual of using tobacco or smoke on a regular basis, their chances of getting gum disease and gum cancer both increase. 

However, not necessarily people who do not smoke will not have gum cancer. Things as simple as not maintaining proper oral hygiene practices can lead to gum cancer. 

Is gum cancer common?

Cancer of the alveolar ridge is another name given to gum cancer. It is seen to be prevalent among those with regular usage of tobacco and those who smoke. Furthermore, back in time, it was seen to be more common than it is today. 

One thing about oral cancer is that they are more likely to be present on your tongue than on your gums. HPV, or Human papillomavirus, is what is responsible for throat cancer among the residents of the United States, but it does not cause cancer in the mouth. 

What are the risk factors that can lead to gum cancer?

On top is the usage of tobacco, especially combined with alcohol consumption and poor maintenance of oral hygiene practices. However, it is not a necessary condition that you will have gum cancer only when you are consuming tobacco, drinking alcohol, or smoking. 

People with no history of usage of these things can also develop gum cancer. Another risk factor can be using a dental appliance that does not fit properly in your mouth and is constantly rubbing against your gums. Callous formation can also take place as a result of ill-fitted dental appliances. 

Callous is basically something that looks like a mass, and you may notice blood coming out of it, too. Furthermore, there are times when it can get difficult to tell the difference between the two things, callous and gum cancer. Therefore, if you notice any such thing forming on your gums, make sure to reach out to a professional. 

What are the signs of gum cancer?

People usually notice something strange or weird forming in their mouth or just something unusual in their mouth, and they decide to visit the dentist. 

The dentist can tell you right away if it is gum cancer and recommend you to a good specialist. Therefore, it is always better to stay aware of the signs, or if you spot any weirdness, consult your dentist right away. 

Get your condition checked by your dentist as soon as possible!

It is essential that you treat the condition as soon as possible in order to avoid any future complications. There are times when people would rather overlook their seemingly minor dental problems, which can cost them a lot in the long run.