Facts About Oral Cancer

Incidence and Mortality

• Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year.  An estimated 7,550 people (5,180 men and 2,370 women) will die of these cancers in 2007.
• More than 25% of the 30,000 Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease.
• On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.
• African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high.

Risk Factors

• Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.
• There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors.
• The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1.

Prevention and Detection

• The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use.
• Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.
• Many types of abnormal cells can develop in the oral cavity in the form of red or white spots.  Some are harmless and benign, some are cancerous and others are pre-cancerous, meaning they can develop into cancer if not detected early and removed. (American Cancer Society)
• Finding and removing epithelial dysplasias before they become cancer can be one of the most effective methods for reducing the incidence of cancer.
• Knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for oral cancer screenings can help prevent this deadly disease. Routine use of the Pap smear since 1955, for example, dramatically reduced the incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer in the United States.
• Oral cancer is often preceded by the presence of clinically identifiable premalignant changes. These lesions may present as either white or red patches or spots. Identifying white and red spots that show dysplasia and removing them before they become cancer is an effective method for reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer.

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Although 72 percent of Americans have fillings, caps or crowns and one in six had a dental emergency during the past 12 months, most are not prepared to deal with a dental emergency, according to a recent survey conducted by Majestic Drug Company, a leading provider of oral care products.

Interestingly, in the national survey of 1,000 Americans, those with a lower income (less then $35,000) were more likely to have had a dental emergency in the past 12 months (vs. 14 percent of those who make $100,000 or more).

Of those who had a dental emergency, 23 percent involved a loose crown or cap, 10 percent involved a lost filling, while 72 percent said their dental emergency involved something else.

Among those who had a dental emergency involving a loose crown/cap or a lost filling, 67 percent immediately went to a dentist, and 14 percent looked for a temporary solution to purchase, while 19 percent did nothing at the time.

“You keep medical supplies on hand for cuts and bruises, but what about your teeth? It’s important to be prepared for a dental emergency in case one happens, especially if the emergency occurs on a weekend when your dentist just isn’t available or you are on the road and cannot seek immediate dental care,” according to Brian Gold, D.D.S., who practices in Monticello, NY.

Dental emergencies can range from a dislodged cap/crown or lost filling to a knocked out tooth to pain or a cracked denture. Majestic Drug Company explains some common dental emergencies and suggestions for treatment.

– Knocked out tooth. If a permanent tooth is dislodged from the socket, try gently replacing it into the tooth socket. Do not scrub the tooth clean–you can damage the fibers needed for reattachment. If that doesn’t work, place the tooth in a glass of milk to keep it moist. Get to a dentist immediately.

– Mouth pain. A throbbing pain from a toothache may indicate an infection and a dentist should be consulted as soon as possible. Tooth sensitivity can be combated by the use of desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne. Irritation from mouth sores can be alleviated by the use of specialized oral pain relief products such as Orajel.

– Lost filling. Rinse out the cavity with warm water. Apply a temporary filling product such as Dentemp(R) O.S. which can be made into a ball and pressed firmly into the cavity.

– Cracked or broken denture. According to Dr. Gold, all denture wearers should have a spare pair to use until the other is repaired. If not, it is good to keep on hand an emergency denture repair kit such as D.O.C. Emergency Denture Repair Kit, available at your local pharmacy.

– Dislodged cap/crown. Apply a temporary dental holding product such as Dentemp(R) O.S. and gently replace the cap onto the tooth. Make sure you get a proper fit.

– Irritation from Braces. Sharp wires can be coated with special dental wax available at your local pharmacy.

Remember, temporary dental solutions are just that–they are temporary. Make sure you call Wayzata Dental at 952.473.4900

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Researchers have found that periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women who have periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering pre-term and/or low birth weight babies.

Although reports suggest that periodontitis may contribute to these conditions, it is important to understand that just because two conditions occur at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. The relationship could work the other way. For example, there is evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis and have more severe periodontitis than nondiabetics. Or two conditions that occur together may be caused by a third factor. People who smoke or use alcohol are at increased risk of developing periodontitis and a number of other health conditions, including oral cancer.

Researchers are working hard to find out if periodontitis does have an effect on other health problems by looking at what happens when periodontitis is treated in individuals with these problems. If there was a cause and effect relationship, we would expect that a treatment that leads to an improvement in periodontal health would also improve other health problems. The results from initial studies are intriguing. For example, some studies suggest that treating periodontitis in people with diabetes can improve their blood sugar control, but other studies have not found this connection.

Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, prevention of periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health. In most cases, good oral health can be maintained with good daily oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and regular professional care.

Tell your dentist about your overall health, especially if you have had any recent illnesses or have any chronic conditions. Provide a health history including medication use, both prescription and over-the-counter products, and let your dentist know when there are changes. Also, if you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting smoking. This will help ensure that you get the most complete and appropriate care.

For more information on the connection between oral and overall health, you may be interested in the resources found at Wayzata Dental.

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