Protect Your Mouth This Summer

By Chie Li Ee DMD and Gina Pratta
Don’t forget about protecting your lips the next time you are applying sunscreen. Lip cancer is the most common form of oral cancer, the second most common malignancy of the head and neck overall, according to the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston. Luckily, when detected at an early stage, lip cancer is one of the most curable cancers in the head and neck, with a 10-year survival rate of up to 98 percent and a recurrence free rate of up to 90 percent. Because sun exposure is a major contributing factor for developing lip cancer, you can reduce your risk by taking some simple preventative measures while spending time in the sun.
Limiting time spent in the sun, wearing a wide brimmed hat and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or greater are some ways to prevent lip cancer. Ultraviolet exposure is highest during the middle of the day, so it is important to avoid sun exposure during this time. It is also crucial to avoid the use of tanning beds, which give off UV rays and have been linked to skin cancer. Although tobacco use and chronic alcohol consumption increase a person’s risk of developing lip cancer, those who have experienced long term sun exposure are at the greatest risk.
A majority of lip cancers form on the lower lip (because of its greater level of sun exposure) and the most common symptom is a sore that bleeds easily and has not healed within two weeks. Other symptoms include lumps, thickened discolored areas, numbness and tingling, and swelling of the jaw or mouth. A visual screening for oral cancer is common during a routine dental visit; making regular dental visits is a vital step toward the prevention of lip and other forms of oral cancer.
Through lifestyle changes and annual screenings, you have the power to decrease your chances of getting oral cancer. We at Cape May Dental Associates are committed to providing the best care possible for all our patients and are focused on prevention and early detection of all oral diseases. Call (609) 884-5335 or visit www.capemaydental.com today!