According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 132 men and women are newly diagnosed with some form of mouth cancer each day in the U.S., while in that same timespan the deadly disease claims roughly 24 lives. Smoking tobacco can dramatically increase one’s risk of developing a whole host of cancers, including lung cancer, throat cancer and oral cancer. However, even if you do not smoke or chew tobacco, you can still contract oral cancer. For this reason, it is critical to visit the dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings to catch and treat the disease in its earliest stages. Want to learn more? Here is everything you need to know about getting an oral cancer screening in Simpsonville.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a general term for any cancer in the mouth and parts of the throat. It can occur in the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, tonsils and middle region of the throat. Combined, oral cancers represent the sixth most common cancers in the world, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Warning signs of oral cancer include:
- Changes in color or texture of your gums, tongue or roof of the mouth
- Unexplained pain or sensitivity in the face or mouth
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Red or white patches
- Lumps or bumps inside the mouth
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Catching oral cancer early on is critical to overcoming this potentially deadly disease. Indeed, oral cancers can have an 80 to 90% survival rate when found at the early stages of development, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Oral cancer screenings, typically conducted as part of every routine dental checkup, are one of the first lines of defense against oral cancer. During an oral cancer screening, a dentist or dental professional will:
- Use specialized lights and observation tools to examine the mouth for oral cancer indicators
- Visually and manually examine the mouth, face and neck for unusual lumps, bumps and discoloration
- Ask health and behavior questions to better understand the patient’s exposure to oral cancer risk factors
- Ask questions to help identify nonvisible symptoms of oral cancer, such as a sore throat or hoarse voice
How Often Should I See a Dentist?
To maintain a healthy mouth, the American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist every six months. In addition to an oral cancer screening, a biannual dental checkup is your opportunity to receive a professional dental cleaning that removes harmful plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Moreover, your dentist will take dental X-rays and look for emerging dental problems and other oral diseases such as gum disease.
Remember – early detection of oral cancer is key. Be vigilant about protecting your oral health by talking to a dentist in Simpsonville today.
About the Practice
With three convenient locations and six experienced dentists on staff, the team at Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is equipped to handle a wide range of dental services, from oral cancer screenings during routine checkups to dental implants to dental emergencies. Patients old and new can visit the Tylan Creek Family Dentistry website or call 864-962-6671 to learn more about oral cancer and preventive dentistry.