What Dentists Look For During Oral Cancer Screenings

Did you know that your dentist checks for signs of oral cancer at your dental checkups? The sooner signs of oral cancer are detected, the sooner you can start any treatment you need to cure the disease.

Dentists perform oral cancer screenings to check for cancerous or precancerous cells in the mouth. They examine the lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, roof of the mouth, under the tongue, and gums for abnormalities.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

• Abnormal growth or lump inside mouth
• Chronic ear or mouth pain
• Mouth sores that won’t heal
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• White or reddish patches inside mouth

If your dentist spots any signs of oral cancer, they will alert you right away. Then, they will work with you and your primary care provider to schedule a biopsy to determine if the abnormality is oral cancer and collaborate with the rest of your healthcare team on the best treatment plan for your individual case.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Wondering what can increase your risk for oral cancer? There are many factors and variables that come into play when it comes to oral cancer development. However, here are some factors that can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer:

• Heavy alcohol usage
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Overexposure to the sun
• Tobacco usage

Schedule Your Biannual Dental Checkup!

Don’t let your oral health fall by the wayside! At Dental Health Associates in Wolcott, CT, we offer oral cancer screenings as part of our preventive dental services. Our goal is to help our Wolcott community maintain great oral and overall health. Overdue for your next dental checkup? Don’t put it off any longer! Our caring, experienced team would love to take care of your oral health needs.

Please contact us today to schedule your appointment at Dental Health Associates. We look forward to hearing from you!

Categorised in: Dental Health