Why You Need Oral Cancer Screenings
This year, over 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer and 8,000 people will die from this preventable condition. Oral cancer affects the mouth, lips, tongue, cheek, throat, and sinuses, and can spread to other areas of your body. Thankfully, our dentists in Plymouth, MI, can detect the early stages of mouth cancer through oral cancer screenings.
Here’s what you need to know about the and how an oral cancer screening could save your life.
What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is so dangerous because people usually don’t exhibit symptoms until it is too late. You are more at risk for if you have a history of tobacco use, alcohol abuse, poor diet, or excessive sun exposure on the lips.
Signs of oral cancer include:
- White or red patches in mouth
- Lump in mouth or throat
- Numbness or pain when biting down
- Bleeding in mouth
- Hoarse voice
Keep in mind that you may experience some or none of the above . Thankfully, screenings are designed to catch oral cancer symptoms early on so you have the best chance of survival.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Our dentists in Plymouth, MI, will recommend an oral cancer screening so you can maintain good oral health. Early detection of mouth cancer will give you a better chance of survival. Oral and throat cancer screenings are especially important for people who are at increased risk for symptoms. For example, people with a history of smoking are more at risk for getting mouth cancer.
What Can I Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Depending on your dentist, you may have a clinical or oral examination. During a clinical examination, the dentist will examine your mouth for white or red patches. They will also physically check for lumps that don’t belong inside your mouth.
A clinical examination is simple enough that it can be done during your regular teeth cleaning appointment. If your dentist decides you need an oral exam, they may use a special screening device to detect mouth cancer in its early stages.
Who is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
The problem with is that it affects people regardless of age or lifestyle factors. However, there are a few groups of people that are at a higher risk.
Populations with a higher risk for oral cancer:
- Alcohol and tobacco users
- People over the age of 45
- People who have experienced excess sun exposure
- Marijuana users
- People with poor oral hygiene
- People with unhealthy diets
If these risk factors apply to you, be sure to schedule regular oral exams so our dentist can make sure you stay healthy.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Oral Cancer?
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to cut tobacco and alcohol consumption. Both tobacco use and alcohol abuse increase your risk of mouth cancer. If you spend a lot of time outside, make sure that you put proper skin protection on your lips to prevent oral cancer.
Reduce your risk of oral cancer by:
- Cutting alcohol consumption
- Not smoking or using other tobacco products
- Using sun protection on your lips when outside
- Taking care of your teeth and gums
- Eating a nutritious diet
If you recognize any of the mouth cancer symptoms in your own smile, schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist as soon as possible. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the sooner your doctor can begin mouth cancer treatment.
How Often Should I Have Oral Cancer Screenings?
In general, adults between the ages of 20 and 40 should have oral cancer screenings at least every three years. Patients over the age of 40 should get an oral cancer screening every year. That being said, it’s important to remember that each patient is different. For example, our doctors may recommend more frequent screenings if you have more risk factors for oral cancer.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening
Our dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment and learn how you could benefit from routine oral cancer screenings, please call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.