Toggle navigation
Michael S. Pugh, DMD Logo
108 Central Avenue Huntsville, AL 35801(256) 536-3386
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • MySpace
 
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

Oral Cancer

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever cured.

Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop complications—some of them chronic and painful—from their cancer treatment.  These include dry mouth and overly sensitive teeth, as well as accelerated tooth decay.

If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other facial and neck tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain.

Older adults over the age of 40 (especially men) are most susceptible to developing oral cancer, but people of all ages are at risk.

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue appears to be the most common location. Other oral structures could include the lips, gums and other soft palate tissues in the mouth.

Warning Signs

In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.

Here are some additional warning signs:

  • Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
  • Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
  • Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.

If a tumor is found, surgery will generally be required to remove it. Some facial disfigurement could also result.

Prevention

Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the biggest culprits is tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even overexposure to the sun have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts believe certain oral cancer risk factors are also hereditary.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses against oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, are highly recommended.


Our Location

108 Central Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-3386
Patient Education Menu
  • What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
  • Cosmetic Procedures
    • Invisalign®
    • Cosmetic Fillings
    • Dentist Huntsville AL
    • Bonding Procedures
    • Cosmetic Contouring
    • Crowns and Bridges
      • Crown Lengthening
      • Dental Bridges
    • Specialty Dentures
    • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
    • Soft Tissue Grafts
      • Replacement of Lost Gum Tissue
    • Dental Implants
      • Smoking and Implants
    • Dental Veneers
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Impacted/Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Whitening

Veneers

Best of Huntsville


 

Top 10 dentistry clinics in Huntsville, AL 2015
Voted 2015’s best Dentist in Huntsville, AL
Verified by Opencare.com


Read Unbiased Consumer Reviews Online at AngiesList.com

angieslist.com/review/522950

We use Angie's List to assess whether we're keeping valued patients like you happy. Please visit click the link above to grade our quality of care and customer service.

 

 

Click the link below to review our office

Your kind words help us grow our practice.

Our Location

Huntsville, AL Dentist
Artistic Dentistry
108 Central Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 536-3386

Map & Directions

Office Hours

Monday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 7:00am - 4:00pm
Friday: By Appoinment Only


 

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Our Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map