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Types of oral cancer affecting the mouth and what can a prosthodontist do to help?

Types of oral cancer affecting the mouth and what can a prosthodontist do to help?

Oral cancer accounts for roughly 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. 3% adds up to roughly 53,000 new cases each year. Oral cancer often occurs in people over the age of 40. However, as a man, you are twice as likely to develop types of oral cancer than women. If you are older than 45 have, you have an increased risk of oral cancer. However, oral cancer can develop in people of any age.

Factors that can lead to oral cancer

  • Do you use tobacco? Smoked or chewed, you are at risk
  • Alcohol
  • Betel Quid
  • Ultraviolet light
  • common among people working outside
  • Poor nutrition
  • Certain genetic syndromes
  • HPV- human papillomavirus infection
  • Lichen planus patients have a higher risk
  • Immunosuppression

Areas that can be affected

  • Lips
  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • base, body, or sides anywhere
  • The inner lining of cheeks
  • The roof of mouth/palate
  • Floor of mouth

Symptoms

  • A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
  • Red or white patch inside the mouth that can’t be rubbed off
  • Unexplained looseness in teeth or movement
  • Abnormal growth of tissue or lump inside the mouth
  • Pain and abnormal sensation in the jaw
  • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
  • Pain in ear, throat, or adjoining structures

Prevention

  • Most importantly, stop using tobacco products, or better, don’t even start
  • Secondly, avoid excessive alcohol use or drink in moderation.
  • Prevent prolonged sun exposure in addition to protection against UV light. Such as, sunscreen, hats, and similarly sunglasses.
  • Moreover, Healthy balanced diet
  • Avoid unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • See your dentist regularly

Role of Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists begin with pre-radiation screening, identifying any teeth that are likely to cause you problems in the future, and in addition extracting them. The next step would be to restore your key teeth, subsequently supporting any denture, obturator, or maxillofacial prosthesis you require post-radiation and surgery.

Various types of prostheses made include:

  • You wear a radiation field during radiation therapy. Therefore, protecting your normal tissue.
  • Fluoride carriers
  • trays for patients with dry mouth from radiation and medications to prevent caries and strengthen remaining teeth
  • Surgical obturator
  • Covers roof of mouth after surgery to provide closure
  • Interim and definitive obturator- restores teeth and gums and closes the palate to aid in swallowing, chewing, and speaking..

Prosthodontists will work with a team of Anaplastologists and Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons to provide the foundation for various extraoral prostheses.

If you are considering dental implants tooth replacement, or if you have further questions about tooth replacement therapy, get in touch with your area Dental Implants Specialists at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry.

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