At Preston Meadow Family Dentistry, we prioritize your overall well-being, which is why we offer oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental care. Oral cancer can develop in the mouth, throat, or surrounding areas, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Our screenings are quick, non-invasive, and designed to give you peace of mind.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues to detect any signs of abnormal growths or lesions. The goal is to identify potential cancerous or precancerous conditions early, when treatment is most effective.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer is often painless in its early stages, and symptoms may go unnoticed without a professional examination. Early detection through regular screenings can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. Key benefits of oral cancer screenings include:
- Early Detection: Catching cancer in its earliest stages offers the best chance for successful treatment and recovery.
- Non-Invasive: The screening process is simple and painless, often taking only a few minutes.
- Part of Preventive Care: Including oral cancer screenings in your regular dental visits helps ensure your comprehensive oral health.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a quick and straightforward process that typically involves the following steps:
- Visual Examination: We will carefully examine your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any unusual sores, lumps, or discoloration.
- Palpation: We may gently feel the tissues of your mouth and throat to detect any lumps or abnormalities that may not be visible.
- Additional Screening Tools (if needed): In some cases, we may use specialized screening devices that enhance our ability to detect abnormal cells or lesions.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
While routine screenings are the best way to detect oral cancer early, it’s also important to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms, which include:
- Persistent sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained lumps or thickening of tissues
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw
- Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
If you notice any of these symptoms between your regular visits, it’s important to schedule an appointment with us right away.
Who is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Certain lifestyle factors can increase your risk for developing oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases your risk.
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is a known risk factor.
- HPV Infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to oropharyngeal cancers.
- Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common in men and people over the age of 40, but it can affect anyone.
Even if you don’t have these risk factors, it’s still important to undergo regular screenings, as oral cancer can develop in anyone.
How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
We recommend getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year during your regular dental checkups. However, if you have risk factors such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a family history of cancer, more frequent screenings may be advisable.
Take Action with Regular Screenings
Your oral health is an important part of your overall well-being, and oral cancer screenings play a crucial role in maintaining it. At Preston Meadow Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you stay healthy and safe by providing thorough, professional screenings as part of your comprehensive dental care.
Schedule your next dental checkup today and make sure an oral cancer screening is part of your preventive care plan.
