With as many as 8,000 people dying each year from oral cancer, it’s no wonder the disease has some denture wearers worried. One of the risk factors for oral cancer is irritation, and wearing ill-fitting dentures is a major cause of irritation.

That’s why some denture wearers are turning to implant-supported dentures to reduce the irritation their dentures cause and increase their comfort and day-to-day satisfaction with their dentures.

Oral cancer can impact any part of the oral cavity, including the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, roof of the mouth and the soft or hard palate. The most common location for oral cancer is the tongue. The floor of the mouth is second.
Signs and symptoms to watch closely for include:

– white or bright red patches or a mixture of the two

– sores anywhere on the mouth, face, lips or neck that don’t heal after two weeks

– problems with swallowing

– swelling in the neck, lips or mouth

– bleeding inside the mouth

– numbness or pain in any part of the neck, face or mouth

– hoarseness that last for weeks

– and more.

Frequent self-examination is recommended, but it’s important to understand that there are many other less serious conditions that share many of these symptoms. Still, you can never be too careful, and an oral cancer screening is part of your regular twice-yearly checkup with your dentist. A dentist can perform a biopsy of any concerning areas to confirm any suspicions.

Remember, early diagnosis makes a cure more likely.

And prevention is even better. To help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer later in life, it makes sense to have your ill-fitted dentures replaced with modern dentures supported by implants. This can eliminate sore spots and inflammation that can eventually lead to cancer and other issues.

For more facts regarding denture use, see this study: http://besttoothpaste.net/fluoride-free/denture-study-results/