You may already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can help you prevent dental issues, such as cavities and gingivitis. But if you don’t also visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning, you might develop other serious concerns and not know.
For instance, did you know that they include a cancer screening during standard visits? Some patients with gum cancer don’t seek treatment right away because they assume their problem is ‘just’ periodontal disease. Continue reading to learn more about this concerning condition and how it differs from gum disease, so you know when to seek help!
What is Gum Cancer?
Gum cancer is a form of oral cancer that originates in the sensitive tissues in your mouth, such as your connective tissues, tongue, or the insides of your lips and cheeks. The leading cause is tobacco use, meaning that those who regularly smoke cigarettes, vape, or chew tobacco are at an increased risk. Other contributing factors can include the excessive use of alcohol, especially in conjunction with tobacco products, poor oral hygiene, or exposure to certain viruses, such as HPV (human papillomavirus).
Sources estimate that the 5-year survival rate for gum cancer is approximately 60% to 66%, meaning that early detection is essential to prevent this dangerous condition from progressing. For example, if caught early enough, the 5-year survival rate jumps to 82%-85%.
How is Gingivitis Different from Gum Cancer?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and occurs when bacteria penetrate your connective tissues and trigger an infection. Thankfully, this can often be prevented or reversed by improving your at-home dental hygiene routine.
The same is not true of gum cancer, which can potentially be fatal. Not only that, but the early symptoms can be easy to miss and are often mistaken for other issues. Understanding the signs of both conditions can help you identify when you’ve developed an issue and need to contact your dentist.
Symptoms of gingivitis might include:
- Red, swollen connective tissues
- Bleeding when you brush and floss
- Bad breath
- Receding gumline
Meanwhile, gum cancer often presents with:
- Sores on the insides of the lips, cheeks, or connective tissues that don’t heal after 2 weeks
- Lump or growth in your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Pain or numbness in the mouth or jaw
- Earaches
How are These Conditions Treated?
If your dentist determines that your condition is caused by periodontal disease, they can often improve your dental health with a deep cleaning, special antibiotics, or a combination of both. Gingivitis can sometimes be halted using these methods, but if your condition has progressed to more advanced stages, like periodontitis, your provider may be able to help manage, but not cure, the disease.
Gum cancer, on the other hand, usually requires more complex services, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these options to help improve your prognosis.
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums or other concerns, your dentist can help you identify and treat the underlying cause!
About the Practice
At OC Dental Studio, you and your family benefit from a team of providers passionate about helping you build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Janelle Comfort and Dr. Jenny Nguyen, both accomplished general dentists, collaborate with Dr. Matthew Comfort, a board-certified periodontist, to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet the needs of people of all ages. They include cancer screenings with routine checkups and cleanings to help identify serious concerns, including gum cancer, as early as possible. You can request an appointment on the website or call (714) 835-2215.