A Note On Gum Cancer – Celebrating May 31

From past few decades, cancer have started taking an active role in bringing tears to the eyes of many and seizing smile of lots. But if we think genuinely, we will find that we are the only responsible for the disease.

The century where many are running after the beautiful HOLLYWOOD smile and using different teeth whitening kits, even taking the advice of the dentists and opting for the Professional teeth whitening kits, many are dying due to Oral Cancer?

On one hand we are celebrating MAY 31 – as Anti tobacco Day, while on the other hand counting the number of deaths due to Oral Cancer! Even if you can’t opt for the Professional teeth whitening kits, though a white tooth is always welcomed, you can at least be conscious and spread the awareness among all...

CANCER -

It is mainly the unusual growth of the cells, which are out of control. These are named in accordance to their origin – lung cancer, gum cancer, blood cancer etc.

In our body, death of the inactive and old cells and the birth of the new cells take place as per the body needs. But in some abnormal cases the old cells do not die and the new cells forms even when there is no need. These atypical growths tend to form tumor – malignant tumor cells are what as we call the cancer cells.

GUM CANCER OR ORAL CANCER –

Gum as we all know is a soft tissue that protects our teeth and jaw-bones. When the formation of cancer takes place in these cells, it is GUM CANCER (gingival cancer or oral cancer).

MAIN CAUSES OF ORAL CANCER –

Though it is not universally true, yet oral cancer (mainly) is not a very common disease. There are few who are blessed by this special branch of cancer.

The tobacco users are its prime target. Cigar, or cigarettes or even the one chewing raw tobacco are on the way to the grasp of death even without knowing it. Studies show that every three out of four gum cancer patients are regular smokers. The obsession for alcohol even invites cancer too. The regular smokers and drinkers are the heavily prone to the risk of having cancer.

Nowadays, many anti tobacco chewing gums have been launched, which help the active and chain smokers to quit their habit and live them a life without addiction.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE SYMPTOMS –

You can feel it yourself if you are having gum cancer, but these are only the primary symptoms while the secondary can only be diagnosed by the dentist. Following are symptoms, which if you can feel (or identify), you should go for a medical checkup –

• Bleeding gums.
• Swollen gums.
• Tooth ache.
• Terrible pain in eating any foods.
• Teeth loosening.
• Unusual formation of lumps.
• Cracked gums.
• Altered taste of food.

It is the high time if you can spot these problems and you must see a dentist as quickly as flash. If the treatment is started at an early date, cancer can be healed.

PROCESS OF DIAGNOSIS –

On finding the symptoms, the dentist take the active steps in treating the disease in the best possible manner. X-Ray, Blood Tests and the biopsy of the lump are the primary methods of the treatment. It then follows by the laser treatment or chemotherapy. Sometimes surgery is also recommended depending on the patient. However the patient history – including the eating habit, family medical history, addiction to drugs, alcohols and tobacco are also considered.

A little care like - twice brushing of teeth, using floss regularly, drinking lots of water, avoiding tobacco, alcohol and colored drinks are some of the restrictions to be followed and using teeth whitening solutions (if possible) can help you getting beautiful teeth without cavity and can prevent any oral infection too.