Oral Cancer Screening
Your mouth can reveal important clues about your health, including early signs of serious conditions like oral cancer. At Glynwood Park Dental Care, we provide thorough oral cancer screenings to help detect potential problems early, giving you the best chance for successful treatment and long-term health.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer occurs when cells in the mouth or surrounding tissues grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While the exact cause can vary, risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and certain viral infections.
Early detection is crucial because oral cancer can develop without noticeable pain. Watch for these warning signs:
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Sores that don’t heal or bleed easily
- Lumps or thickened areas on the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue
- Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty chewing or swallowing
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
During a screening, our dental team carefully examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, gums, and surrounding areas for any irregularities. We may also feel for lumps or thickened tissue and use specialized lights to highlight abnormalities. The process is painless, quick, and non-invasive.
If anything suspicious is found, we may recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Identifying risks in their first stages often allows for more effective treatment, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
All adults can benefit from regular oral cancer screenings, especially those who use tobacco or alcohol, have a family history of oral cancer, or notice unusual changes in their mouth.
Even without symptoms, routine screenings during dental visits make it easier to take action before issues progress.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
We recommend having an oral cancer screening at least once a year, though higher-risk patients may benefit from more frequent evaluations. Monthly self-checks can also help you notice changes early.
Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Attending regular dental checkups with professional screenings
Protect Your Health Today
Schedule an oral cancer screening at Glynwood Park Dental Care and take a proactive step in safeguarding your mouth. Contact our team today for an appointment!
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