Our office is committed to not only improving your smile but also your overall health. During your regular dental checkup, we conduct a thorough examination that includes screening for oral cancer. If left undetected and untreated, oral cancer can be fatal, just like other types of cancer.
Our office has the expertise and equipment to detect early indications and indications of oral cancer and precancerous conditions. Although less severe issues can cause these indications, it is crucial to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.
The most prevalent symptoms of oral cancer are:
- Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing or chewing
- Swelling or lumps in the mouth, neck, or throat
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips
- Loose teeth or changes in bite
- Persistent earache
- Dramatic weight loss without apparent cause
Our team can perform a quick and straightforward screening to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions in your oral cavity. We examine your teeth and entire mouth, including the tissue of your mouth and throat. If we see any abnormalities, we may perform a brush test to collect cells from a suspicious lesion and send them to a laboratory for analysis. We may suggest a biopsy if needed as part of our precautionary measures. Besides undergoing an oral cancer screening during your regular checkup, there are other steps you can take to lower your chances of getting oral cancer.
Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.
- To reduce the risk of oral cancer, it is best to refrain from using tobacco products entirely and to consume alcohol in moderation.
- It’s important to maintain a diet that is healthy and balanced.
- Protect your skin and lips from the sun; limiting sun exposure and using lotions blocking UV-A/B rays is essential.
- When you go for your next dental checkup, request an oral examination from your dentist. By detecting oral cancer early, the chances of successful treatment significantly increase.
