Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught in the early stages, but since it rarely is, this disease has a high mortality rate. Which is why our team offers a screening as part of our routine checkup visit, and recommends one every year. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS, dentist talks about our approach to oral cancer screenings.
The Screening Process
We want to see you for a checkup twice a year, once every six months, so that we can catch the issues that could threaten the smile in the early stages, before the stability of your smile is in question. As part of this process, we will also conduct an oral screening. You should have a screening at least once every year. As we touched on above, studies from the Oral Cancer Foundation show that over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Of that number, due to a lack of an early diagnosis, over half will succumb within just five years. But with an exam, we can catch cancerous or precancerous areas early and order a biopsy if needed, so you can increase your chances of a full recovery!
Symptoms to Watch for
You should also be aware of any changes or symptoms in the interior of your mouth, and let us know right away. Warning signs of oral cancer could include sores, lesions, rough patches, and areas of red and white splotches in the interior of your mouth that don’t heal after one to two weeks. Be aware of any changes to your voice, unexplained weight loss, or persistent sore throat or hoarseness. We can conduct an exam to see if you need treatment, and start you on the path to recovery.
Preventive Actions
You can take actions to help limit your risk. For example, excessive UV light exposure is a symptom, so be sure you wear sun protection outdoors. Excessive alcohol consumption is also a factor, so drink in moderation. Tobacco use, such as cigarettes, could also lead to the disease. While these factors are often the cause, oral cancer can form in smiles without these risk factors, so adults of all ages need to attend a checkup visit for an exam. If you have any questions about the process of screening for oral cancer, or what to do if symptoms arise, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Any Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team wants to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid major concerns, so you can smile with confidence. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling (913)681-5500 to learn more about protecting the health, beauty, and function of your smile.
