Preventative Treatment of Cancers Through Improving Oral Health Los Angeles, CA
Gum disease is a frequently overlooked precursor to cancers. While all body systems are interconnected, traditional dentists often fail to acknowledge the importance of the oral-systemic link. In reality, maintaining oral health can be one of the easiest ways to prevent various cancers.
Total health dentistry is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. We are proud to offer preventative care for oral cancer, gum disease, and more. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Total Health Dentistry and Gum Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, oral health is "a window to your overall health." Oral hygiene issues are often indicative of deeper, overall health issues — whether they are preexistent or soon to come. As the mouth is an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts, it also acts as a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Though most of these bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene can allow them to multiply at dangerously high levels. This may cause several kinds of oral infections, such as gum disease.
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It typically begins as gingivitis, or gum inflammation, before progressing to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Multiple studies have shown a correlative relationship between periodontitis and various forms of cancer, including but not limited to breast cancer, digestive tract cancer, esophagus/oropharyngeal cancer, and prostate cancer. Patients should speak to a complete health dentist about their personal risk factors to catch any warning signs of disease, oral or otherwise.
“Oral hygiene issues are often indicative of deeper, overall health issues — whether they are preexistent or soon to come.”
Cancer Screenings From a Total Health Dentist
Getting a cancer screening from a total health dentist is important for early detection and treatment. We will check for cancer or precancerous lesions in the mouth, including the:
- Back of your throat
- Gums
- Inside cheeks
- Outside and inside of the mouth
- Roof of the mouth
- Tongue
Cancer screenings involve a visual examination of the tissues for abnormalities and a physical examination to feel for unusual growths. People should return at regular intervals for further screenings. Early detection is crucial since this is when the cancer is the easiest to remove and the most curable.
“Getting a cancer screening from a total health dentist is important for early detection and treatment.”
Tell Your Dentist About Your Cancer History
Patients should notify our team if they had cancer in the past or a history of cancer in their family. People with a history of cancer in their family may have a higher risk of developing cancer, while cancer recurrence is always possible for people who have had it before. Providing cancer history information will help us keep an eye on potentially problematic areas when conducting cancer screenings.
We recommend regular follow-up visits so that our team can closely monitor patients who have completed oral cancer treatment. The first two years after treatment is when the risk of reoccurrence is the highest. Our team will work with patients who have a cancer history to determine the optimal managing plans to keep them safe and healthy.
“People with a history of cancer in their family may have a higher risk of developing cancer, while cancer recurrence is always possible for people who have had it before.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Treatment of Cancers Through Improving Oral Health in Los Angeles, CA
Dental Symptoms That May Be Cancer Warnings
Some oral cancer symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions such as a toothache or sore. Our team conducts thorough cancer screenings to provide patients with an accurate diagnosis. We will check the mouth for swollen or thickened areas and abnormal lumps or bumps during the cancer screening. Rough spots and eroded areas on the lips, gums, and other oral tissues may also be warning signs of cancer.
People should watch for unexplained oral bleeding and persistent sores that last longer than two weeks. Our team will also ask patients about any unexplained numbness or pain in the face, mouth, or neck. Difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing, and moving the jaw are also important possible warning symptoms. People who notice any unusual symptoms or a change in the way their teeth fit should schedule a screening as soon as possible.
“Rough spots and eroded areas on the lips, gums, and other oral tissues may also be warning signs of cancer.””
Questions Answered on This Page
People Also Ask
Q. Why is good oral hygiene important?
Q. Why is preventative care important? How can it save you money?
Q. Why is it important to find the right general dentist?
Q. What family members may need extra help with their oral hygiene?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What factors can increase the risk of oral cancer?
A. Various factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. One of the greatest risk factors is tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. People who drink an excessive amount of alcohol, have had cancer before, or have signficant sun exposure are also at increased risk of oral cancer.
Q. What is a self-exam for oral cancer?
A. People should conduct a self-exam to check themselves for oral cancer in between dental visits. This involves examining the outer lips, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate, back of the throat, and the insides of the cheeks. It is also important to feel those areas for any unusual bumps or lesions.
Q. What are some signs of gum disease?
A. The first signs of gum disease are usually red and swollen gums. Without treatment, it can progress and cause other symptoms, such as bad breath, receding gum lines, and sensitive teeth. In severe cases, people may experience shifting teeth and even tooth loss.
Q. What are the kinds of oral cancer?
A. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. They make up about 90% of all cancers that happen in the mouth. Other less common types of oral cancers include verrucous carcinomas, minor salivary gland carcinomas, lymphomas, and benign oral cavity tumors.
Q. What are the risk factors of gum disease?
A. One of the most common reasons that people develop gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Smoking, recreational drug use, and a lack of nutrients can also increase the risk of developing gum disease. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, genetics, certain diseases and medications, and obesity
Scan here to view this page, Preventative Treatment of Cancers Through Improving Oral Health, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
As the saying goes, the best offense is a good defense. The same is true when it comes to cancer prevention. We at Vatan Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Vatan Dental Group was established in 2012.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Los Angeles County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Los Angeles, Inglewood, Westchester, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Culver City, Fox Hills, Hawthorne, El Segundo and Santa Monica
- CA (License #49259). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1740278662). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Vatan Dental Group on mobile
Back to top of Preventative Treatment of Cancers Through Improving Oral Health
QR code for Preventative Treatment of Cancers Through Improving Oral Health
Related Posts
Your Role In Clear Aligners Treatments
Clear aligners are nearly invisible and allow people to straighten their teeth discreetly. Aligners are most suitable for patients who can commit to treatment. It is crucial to follow treatment guidelines for quick and effective results. Read on to learn more about your role in clear aligners treatments.Aligners are clear, plastic-like trays that are worn…
The Role Of A Sleep Medicine Trained Dentist With Treating Sleep Apnea
The growing number of sleep apnea cases needs the collaboration of health care professionals. Several treatment options are now available for people suffering from this sleep disorder. Your specially trained dental care professional can help you along the way. If you want to find out what role a sleep medicine dentist has in treating sleep…
The Root Canal Procedure Explained: Step-by-Step
A root canal removes the interior living tissues of a tooth in order to combat infection or address damage. While it is not a dentist’s first choice, it can be necessary when no other options will save the tooth. If you are scheduled for a root canal, you may have heard that this procedure causes…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Vatan Dental Group on mobile
