Why Oral Cancer Screening is Important

Dental anxiety has been the butt of many jokes, but when those jokes keep people from getting the important dental care they need, it’s just not funny anymore. Dental care isn’t just about your teeth but your whole mouth. Here at Dental Brothers, we take this very seriously. Oral health isn’t just about having straight or white teeth or checking for cavities and gum disease. We also screen for oral cancer.

It May Take a Dentist to Detect Oral Cancer

Do you remember the last time your primary doctor checked inside your mouth? Although oral cancer is a medical condition, a dentist often sees the first signs and encourages follow-up with a physician.  Every year over 50,000 cases of oral cancer occur. The best chance of fighting it happens through early detection. When oral cancer is caught within a year, the survival rate is 81 percent. If it stays undetected for ten years, the survival rate drops 41 percent. Getting regular check-ups is key to keeping watch on this potentially deadly disease.

Oral cancer screening involves a thorough check of all surfaces inside the mouth, including the underside of lips, inner cheeks, and tongue. Any mass or lesion found in the mouth is biopsied by taking a tissue sample. If a larger sample is needed, anesthesia is available to help the patient feel as comfortable about the process as possible.

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer

In most cases, oral cancer is detected during a regular dental visit. You may want your dentist to take an extra special look in some situations. Especially if you think you might have symptoms or are at a higher risk for the disease. Some common symptoms include:

• Bleeding in the mouth without an obvious cause
• Persistent sore throat
• Voice changes
• Spots or discoloration inside the mouth
• Pain or numbness in the face
• Shifting teeth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain

Some people experience a higher risk for oral cancer than others. Smokers have a much higher risk of oral cancer. This is regardless of how you consume tobacco, whether by smoking or using some smokeless tobacco. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of oral cancer, as does sun exposure and family history,

Even if you don’t necessarily believe you are at high risk, anyone can be a potential victim of oral cancer. And it may take a dentist to catch it. It is highly treatable when caught early, but you need to get into the dentist’s chair to be properly checked. Not everyone has all symptoms when it comes to cancer. It’s important not to assume that the absence of pain or discomfort means you don’t need to visit a dentist. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.

Conclusion

Even if you have next to no risk factors and no cavities, it’s worth the peace of mind to get regular checkups and oral cancer screenings from a dentist you trust. When your mouth needs extra care, we provide emergency dental services, cosmetic dentistry, or dental sedation for procedures that may be difficult to handle.  For patients diagnosed with oral cancer, we work closely with your medical team to give you the best chance of getting well.

Ready for thorough and compassionate screening at your favorite dentists in Phoenix or Mesa? Look no further than Dental Brothers. Our commitment to your dental health can make a real difference in your life and how you care for your mouth in the future. To learn more about dental care options, contact us to schedule an appointment!