We urge adults to have an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Offered as part of your checkup visit, this could help increase the chances of an early diagnosis and full recovery. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about the importance of an annual oral cancer screening! After all, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed this year alone, and the sooner the issue is discovered the more likely your recovery!
The Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
How do you know if you have possible symptoms? You may notice areas with red and white lesions, or possibly sores and rough patches that don’t heal after two weeks. You could experience sudden weight loss, unexplained changes to your voice, or persistent hoarseness or sore throat. Don’t ignore possible warning signs, instead reach out to our team right away so we can conduct a screening and see if you need a biopsy and possibly treatment. Remember, the disease’s relatively high mortality rate is because the issue is rarely caught in the early stages. But if you see us for an examination every year, this increases the chances of an early diagnosis and a full recovery.
Easing Your Overall Risk
You can take actions to help reduce your overall risk, but remember, you still need an examination because the issue can develop in smiles without the risk factors too. For example, we urge you to enjoy alcohol in moderation as excessive consumption is linked to oral cancer. Likewise, using tobacco products such as cigarettes or vaping could threaten your smile. Excess UV light exposure could be a factor, so be sure you wear sun protection when outdoors.
Our Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your dental exam, we will conduct a visual look at your gums and the sensitive tissues in the interior of your cheek and mouth. Our team also takes a close look with advanced intraoral camera technology, so we can obtain high-definition images and provide a diagnosis with better precision and detail. If we find areas that could be cancerous or possibly precancerous, we will order a biopsy. You then find out if you need to seek treatment for the disease, and can start your road to optimal health.
Our team will also watch for other serious issues that could threaten your smile, such as tooth decay, infection, gingivitis, and even gum disease. If you have any questions about our routine screenings, or if you want to schedule one today for you or a member of your family, then contact our team right away!
Helping Your Smile With Family Dentistry
A routine screening every year can help safeguard your overall health. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913) 681-5500 to schedule your visit with our friendly team.
