Oral Cancer Screening During your dental appointment with us, you will likely observe the dentist looking into your mouth and surrounding jaw and neck prior to your scheduled dental exam or treatment. What they are doing is assessing for any signs that oral cancer may be present. This is why it is always a good idea to make an appointment with The Smile Suite at Towne Square. We believe oral cancer screenings are an important part of dental exams.How Frequent Should The Oral Cancer Screen Be?When it comes to the oral cancer screening, many dentists suggest having them during each dental appointment you have. Normally though, the oral cancer screening is conducted yearly and to identify any signs early. While the screenings are straightforward, the majority of high frequent screenings are conducted with patients who have an increased risk or family history of cancer. Many dentists suggest that an oral cancer screening be combined with every routine visit and before any other dental procedure. The frequency can be determined by your dentist. Oral cancer screenings are performed along with routine dental exams and cleanings so that any risk for tooth decay can also be eliminated following the cancer screening. What Is Included In An Oral Cancer Screening?Having an oral cancer screening will involve examining the entire oral cavity of the patient. This includes the tongue, the roof and bottom of the mouth, cheeks, gums, and lips. When checking for oral cancer it can be difficult to decipher. A sign to be aware of, which may be a sign of cancer, includes the presence of skin patches that are red or white in color. Other signs may include pain in the mouth, unusual lumps, or swelling around the lymph nodes. If you feel any of this, you need to make your dentist aware of it. Is It Necessary To Get An Oral Cancer Screening?Just like any other disease, oral cancer may not be completely avoidable, but can be cured and eliminated when early treatment is provided. The risk for oral cancer may be decreased by also eliminating bad habits such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or even the amount of sun exposure you receive. Being an older adult may also increase your risks. For this, it is even more important to obtain an oral cancer screening. Oral Cancer Warning SignsWhile there are many types of oral cancer, it can be difficult to recognize it. Regardless of your dentist looking for any and all physical signs, many signs may not even be visible upon inspection. If you experience any numbness inside your mouth, or a red area, you should contact our dental office to schedule a screening. Other signs that may not be visible include a sore throat or voice changes. You may also experience difficulty while swallowing or chewing, swelling, pain, or a thickness in a cheek. Experiencing any of these should prompt a visit to the dentist. Get Your Oral Cancer Screening ScheduledBy scheduling a oral cancer screening with our dentist at The Smile Suite at Towne Square, you are taking the first step towards cancer prevention. After your screening, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have no signs of oral cancer. So don't wait any longer, contact us at (951) 234-8137 for a screening today. |
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