24 Sep Oral Cancer Screening: The life saving decision
A visit to a dentist isn’t just about ensuring your teeth are in good, healthy order. In fact, a dental exam can not only reveal whether you need a filling due to cavities, have gum disease, or require a tooth extraction, but can also be a vital step in helping to save your life.
Cancer comes in a lot of different forms, attacking different areas of the body, and oral cancer is just one form of the disease. Mortality rates from cancer vary according to the type, and many people who survive cancer attribute their survival to the early detection and treatment of the disease. When a dentist examines our mouths during dental checkups, they aren’t just looking for cavities or gum disease, but they are also looking for signs of oral cancer. [pullquote]A dentist will examine the mouth, looking for any sign of oral cancer.[/pullquote]
Some indications of oral cancer may involve the presence of tiny red or white spots in the oral cavity, or small lumps or growths that may ordinarily go unnoticed by the person. Those who smoke tobacco, or drink alcohol regularly, may be increasing their chances of developing oral cancer; and so regular checkups are particularly important to people in this demographic.
Oral sores that don’t heal, thickening or hardening of soft tissues contained within the mouth, unexplained lumps, or difficulty or pain in swallowing, could all be signs of the onset of oral cancer, and so it is important that any untoward sensations or experiences that occur in the mouth be checked by a dentist. Of course, there may be nothing to worry about, and the symptoms will pass, but can you really take that chance?
A dentist will examine the mouth, looking for any sign of oral cancer. They may ask questions about the patient’s lifestyle in order to discover whether there may be any mitigating factors which could increase the chances of developing oral cancer, such as tobacco or alcohol, and offer advice on how to alter behavior, in order to reduce the likelihood of oral cancer.
Regular dental checkups will help ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong, but can also help to save your appearance – and your life. Oral cancer can cause facial deformities, or can even be fatal if ignored.
Can you afford not to go? Contact the San Antonio office of Drs. Huriega and Bonner at 210-616-0858 to schedule your next exam.