From a young age, we learn about the ins and outs of taking care of our smiles. We learn that we must brush and floss regularly in order to reduce or minimize the presence of bacteria, and we learn that in-office dental visits are essential for our oral health. While nontraditional dental concerns such as sleep apnea and chronic teeth grinding may take us by surprise, reaching out to your dentist as soon as possible has been found to help reduce the presence of a threat. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist further discusses the need for additional smile help and how an oral cancer screening during your checkup fulfills this role.
Why We Screen
If you are like many patients out there, you would know that the biggest cause of oral cancer has to do with use of tobacco products and smoking. Indeed, cancer is a frightening concept to think about, let alone be diagnosed with, and knowing your best steps moving forward is essential.
The misconception present, however, is that only smokers and users of tobacco develop oral cancer. Believe it or not, anyone of any age at any given moment can develop oral cancer, so it is important to recognize that you are not immune, even if you do not smoke.
Indeed, oral cancer is characterized by cells within or around the oral cavity that continue to grow in size due to cell mutation. Though there is no single cause and no cure, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing the concern. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
What We Look For
Nobody wants to develop oral cancer, but unfortunately, many still do every year. The good news is that if you are on top of oral care and catch it early, you will be able to treat it sooner and ideally prevent it from spreading.
As part of your routine checkup appointment, our team will provide a simple oral cancer screening to identify any signs of red or white rough patches, sores that do not seem to heal, and other signs that something is amiss. Contact our team to learn more today.
The Importance of Timely Treatment
As we mentioned previously, there is currently no cure for oral cancer. There are, however, steps you can take to minimize your chances of development, including avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, use of tobacco, and exposure of the lips to the sun for too long. With timely treatment, intervention can be used to prevent the issue from getting worse.
Learn More Today
Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to learn more about the importance of staying on top of your oral health, and schedule your next visit with our office today.
