According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease. Of that number, half will succumb to it in just five years. This is mainly because the disease is rarely caught in the early stages. Which is why your Prairie Village, KS, dentist recommends an oral cancer screening once a year!
The Factors Behind Oral Cancer
Oral cancer primarily develops in adults, but can impact patients of all ages. Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products could increase your risk, as could excessive UV light exposure. If you have a family history of the disease, this could be a primary factor as well. Drinking alcohol to excess could also lead to oral cancer. If you have these potential risk factors, then be sure you attend a routine screening once a year. We offer this as part of your routine office visits for a checkup and cleaning.
Possible Warning Signs
What are the common warning signs of the disease? People may experience sores or lesions in the mouth that don’t heal after two weeks, red or white splotches, itching in the mouth, and changes to the color or texture of your tongue. Bleeding, hoarseness, persistent sore throat, or changes in your voice or sudden weight loss could also be symptoms, and you may notice rough patches in your mouth too. When one or more of these potential warning signs occur, then please let us know right away so we can conduct a screening and find out if you need a history or to be referred for treatment. You can also conduct a self-exam too!
The Examination and Diagnostic Process
The screening process is simple. Our team will complete a visual exam and use advanced technology to identify possible precancerous or cancerous areas. We can then discuss a biopsy or refer you to specialists for further treatment. The high mortality rate is because the disease is rarely caught in the early stages, so a screening every six months as part of your checkup and cleaning is essential. If you have any questions about how we screen for oral cancer, or if you need to schedule a checkup and cleaning visit for you and your family, then contact our team today. We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy optimal oral health!
SPEAK WITH YOUR PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS, DENTIST ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR SMILE
Our team wants to help you maintain your best smile, with optimal oral health. If you would like more information on preventing the onset of serious oral health concerns, please reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585. We’re ready to start you on a journey to a healthy and beautiful smile, and that starts with a simple checkup and cleaning visit.
