Prevent Disease With An Oral Cancer Screening

Our mouths, just like any other part of the body, are susceptible to developing illness and disease, such as oral cancer. Many people have oral cancer and don’t even know it because it is so fast-moving and silent. When left untreated, oral cancer is deadly and can lead to painful and invasive surgeries to save your life. For this reason, it’s important to have an oral cancer screening every few years to diagnose any abnormalities that may have developed and begin a treatment plan. Find out what to expect during an oral cancer screening and how it can save your life with this guide!

The Damaging Effects of Oral Cancer

One of the most fast-moving and deadliest forms of cancer is oral cancer, and it most often develops silently. While oral cancer can manifest itself in the form of lesions, lumps and white or red patches, many times there are no obvious signs that point to its development. Other times, oral cancer presents itself with swelling of the jaw, sores, bleeding in the mouth, hoarseness and difficulty eating. Those who develop this form of cancer will experience it differently, but it’s important to know what to look out for so that when it does occur, you can recognize it. Unfortunately, oral cancer affects more people than you would think; currently, there are over 48,250 cases of patients fighting squamous cell carcinoma, a type of oral cancer that affects the oral cavity and pharynx. Sadly, more than 10,000 of those patients will succumb to the disease, which affects the lives of thousands of other people. While most cases of oral cancer are preventable, some are born with a genetic predisposition to develop it. Luckily, oral cancer is treatable but often involves invasive surgeries that can alter the appearance of your face, lips and neck. To stay on top of your oral health and prevent oral cancer, it’s recommended that you have an oral cancer screening every few years. These screenings protect you from oral cancer as they’re designed to evaluate every part of your oral cavity and surrounding areas for signs of disease, plus they help your dentist identify any changes in your oral health that may raise concern. Many have survived their bouts with oral cancer because they received an oral cancer screening early on in their sickness.

What To Expect During An Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings are typically a part of a regular dental checkup, and they take around five minutes to perform. During this time, you will receive a thorough head, neck and oral examination by the dentist for signs of asymmetry, discoloration and swelling. Using gloves, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, including the lips, tongue and the soft and hard palates. Your tonsils, neck, eyes and nose will also be examined as they often exhibit signs of disease that is occurring elsewhere in the oral cavity. Fiber optic scopes and mirrors are often used during an oral cancer screening so that every part of the internal areas can be seen. After the oral cancer screening is finished, your dentist will give you some tips to take care of your oral health and might recommend monthly self-exams if you’re at high-risk for oral cancer. Depending on your needs, he/she may recommend that you come in more frequently for additional oral cancer screenings.

Tips To Keep Your Mouth Disease-Free

The best form of treatment is prevention, so it’s important that you do all that you can to maintain optimal oral health. This includes meeting regularly with your dentist for dental checkups and committing to a daily oral hygiene routine that focuses on brushing and flossing. Most forms of oral cancer develop from tobacco, cigarette and alcohol use, so one of the best ways to prevent it from developing is by cutting out these addictive substances. If you use tobacco, do everything you can to quit, and if you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink per day if you’re a woman and two if you’re a man. Sun exposure is another contributor to oral cancer, so make sure to wear sunscreen (including lip balm) with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin while you’re out and about. If you do have to spend time outside, try to avoid being out when the sun is at its strongest during the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. Lastly, if you haven’t had an oral cancer screening in the last few years, schedule one. While you may not be showing signs or have a family history of oral cancer, it can happen to anyone. Make your appointment today to protect yourself for the future.

Protect Your Oral Health With Our Help!

If you’re due for an oral cancer screening, call Stonebrook Family Dental at (303) 872-7907 to schedule a dental checkup! Your oral health needs are our priority, and we use the best technology and equipment available to give you the happy and healthy smile you deserve. There’s no better time than now to protect your oral health, so call today to take that step towards a healthier life!