Regular dental checkups don’t just consist of your dentist checking for dental decay, cavities, gum disease, damage, and infection. They also allow for further examination of your oral and facial structures. Since oral cancer can have serious consequences if left undetected, many dentists offer to scan for it during six-month appointments. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, keep reading to learn more about this disease and how your dentist can help.
How Does Oral Cancer Form?
The are many reasons why oral cancer can form, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, genetics, and the human papillomavirus (HPV).
This last risk factor is quickly becoming the most common, as it is a type of oropharyngeal cancer that contains an estimated 200 strains. While most of these are harmless, the Oral Cancer Foundation states that nine cause cancer, and six more are believed to contribute to the development of cancer.
What Symptoms Indicate Oral Cancer?
Although oral cancer can only be formally diagnosed by a licensed healthcare professional after thorough testing, some signs can indicate a serious problem, such as:
- Discolored (red or white) patches of oral tissue (i.e., cheeks, gums, lips, tongue)
- Oral sores that do not heal on their own
- Lumps on the head, face, neck, or inside the mouth
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Sore throat
- Limited tongue mobility
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Dentists are some of the most pivotal allies in the fight against oral cancer, as they can easily recognize symptoms and provide early detection. Offering oral cancer screenings makes it possible for patients to get the care they need faster, increasing their chances of survival significantly.
During an oral cancer screening, the dentist will conduct a visual examination of your mouth, head, neck, and throat. They will look for any abnormalities and ask questions about your lifestyle habits and daily difficulties.
If any lumps on the neck, face, throat, or head are discovered, any discolored patches of tissue, or any oral lesions are found to exist, further testing will be required by a local physician. This will determine whether oral cancer is present, and if so, how to move forward in helping you get the care you need.
Depending on the current state of the cancer and whether it has spread or not, a surgical procedure may be required to remove it, such as a mandibulectomy, a maxillectomy, or a neck dissection.
It is believed that one person loses their life to oral cancer every hour in the United States. Don’t become a statistic; instead, allow your dentist to be your ally in the fight, ensuring your smile and overall health remain in the best possible shape.
About the McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice
Our team at McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice consists of three highly skilled and knowledgeable dentists who know how important it is to be regularly screened for oral cancer. Providing these visual examinations during normal dental checkups, we can indicate whether any problem areas exist. If so, we’ll make sure you get the help you need to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. If you want to commit to taking proper care of your oral health, call our office or visit our website.