Ask for an Oral Cancer check during your general check-up at Curtis Couch

Here at Curtis Couch located in Thousand Oaks we are aware of the detrimental effects of oral cancer and can, in association with your general doctor, help you identify and treat this viral infection before it spreads elsewhere in the body. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month our practice is hoping to spread knowledge about oral cancer and inspire the general public to take better care of their teeth and be proactive about seeing their dentist and identifying symptoms of oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a serious disease which involves cancer cells penetrating and infecting the body. Some of the main causes for oral cancer include constant tobacco and alcohol abuse as well as contact and possibly even genetic mutation according to recent studies. The effects of this illness are like any other cancerous legion. The cancer infects the body via a tumorous cell and can hormonally alter the normal functions of the body. This tumor can then spread and further infect the body as it becomes malignant. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify the cancer before it becomes malignant which will make it much easier to treat and will give you a much better chance of complete recovery.

I take care of my teeth, so I have nothing to worry about right? WRONG.

Even if you take optimum care of your teeth you can still become infected with oral cancer cells. 7% of individuals are infected by oral cancer for completely unknowing reasons so anyone can contract it – just like the healthiest, most athletic and organic eating individual can unknowingly contract cancer. We know it isn’t fair, but you can easily combat oral cancer by asking your dentist at Curtis Couch about our oral cancer screenings.

What does it look like?

Oral cancer can appear as small white or red lumps or legions within the mouth. Just like women will check themselves for breast lumps, everyone should evaluate their own mouths for abnormal lumps. If you find any sign of a lump you should consult with your dentist immediately to ensure optimum recovery. Identifying a cancerous tumor early results in a 10-20% chance of fatality, and this increases the longer you go unaware of the tumor. This tumor can appear anywhere in the face including the:
  • Lips
  • Gum
  • Tongue
  • Cheek
  • Lining 
  • Hard or soft Palette
Unfortunately, more often than not oral cancer cannot be seen by the naked eye. This is why we and the California Dental Association recommend annual oral cancer screenings, so make April your month to get checked. Curtis Couch will often utilize digital imaging to get a better look at your mouth and analyze tissue that sits beneath the exterior view of the mouth. If you are interested in finding out more about dental maintenance, or if you want to book an oral cancer screening please visit our practice located in Thousand Oaks, California. You can also book an appointment with Curtis Couch by contacting us here.