Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening

When was the last time you had an oral cancer screening? We want to make sure you undergo one at least once every year, and we offer them as part of our dental exam visits. In today’s blog, your Columbia, TN, dentist talks about the importance of scheduling your next oral cancer screening.

The Signs of Trouble

We recommend a visit for a screening at least once a year, and we offer these as part of our routine checkup visits. According to studies from the Oral Cancer Foundation, of the estimated 53,000 people who will be diagnosed this year, half will succumb to the disease within just five years. The main reason for this high mortality rate is the fact that oral cancer is rarely caught in the early stages, when it is much more treatable. But with a screening, we can increase the chances of a full recovery.

Outside of routine visits, you should consider an appointment if you encounter possible symptoms, such as lesions, sores, rough patches, and areas with red and white splotches that don’t heal after two weeks. These will form in the interior of your cheeks. Other possible warning signs could include hoarseness and a sore throat that lasts for a week or more, or changes to your voice of sudden weight loss. Don’t ignore potential warning signs, schedule a visit with our team right away.

Common Risk Factors

What are the most common risk factors for oral cancer? These could include a family history of cancer, excessive UV light exposure, tobacco use, or the excessive use of alcohol. However, even if you don’t have these risk factors, you could still develop the disease, so you need an examination every few months.

Screening for Oral Cancer

With this process, our team will take a close look at the inside of your cheeks and your gums for possible areas that are cancerous or precancerous. If we find an area that could be at risk, we will order a biopsy for further testing. This involves taking a small sample of soft tissue to be analyzed by experts.

Your Dental Exam

Along with the screening process, your dental exam also involves our team looking for other causes of concern, such as tooth decay, dental infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We want to address these concerns before they cause major discomfort and lead to tooth loss. In the same visit, we will also clean the teeth to control harmful plaque and tartar buildup.

Learn More About Our Screenings with Creekside Family Dentistry!

With a routine visit every few months, we can help you maintain good oral health. Give us a call today at Creekside Family Dentistry in Columbia, TN at (931) 388-3384 to schedule your appointment.