Did you know that, as of 2024, according to the American Cancer Society, there have been roughly 58,450 instances of oropharyngeal or oral cavity cancer in America? Various reasons can contribute to this large number, including poor lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking too much alcohol, HPV, etc.) and even demographic factors (like men have a higher chance of getting oral cancer than women). Whatever the case might be, early detection is perhaps the best method for minimizing your risks. Keep reading to learn the importance of oral cancer screenings and what to expect from the process.
Why Complete an Oral Cancer Screening During a Dental Checkup?
Whenever you visit your dentist for your routine dental checkup and cleaning, they’re likely also monitoring your oral health for signs of cancer. Not only is this essential for detecting early indications of the disease, but it is also easy to perform and can be completed quickly during your visit. Since oral cancer doesn’t discriminate depending on factors like sex, age, or ethnicity, it’s possible to occur in any person at any time. Many of the early signs can also be overlooked or go about undetected unless you visit your dentist regularly, meaning your dental team is your first line of defense for avoiding the issue altogether.
The Indications of Oral Cancer
Several of the most common signs of oral cancer involve:
- Oral sores that won’t heal
- Red and white patches on the gums or tongue
- Lumps around the lips, cheeks, or mouth
- Lumps on the neck or around the back of the throat
- Sore throat
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Loose teeth
- Jaw discomfort and/or inflammation
How is an Oral Cancer Screening Performed?
An oral cancer screening is simply a process in which your dentist will evaluate various parts of your mouth to look for indications of the disease. In many instances, you may not even be aware of when they’re doing it!
The first part of the screening includes a visual examination of the nearby facial structures to check for symptoms of cancer, such as lesions, sores, etc. This usually means they’ll monitor your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, neck, throat, and head to ensure you’re free of any early signs. You might see your dentist using a tiny light, tongue depressor, and a dental mirror to examine the areas in your mouth that can usually go unnoticed.
After the first portion of the screening, your dentist will do a physical exam to check your jaw and lymph nodes to verify that there are no abnormalities or lumps to account for. If they detect anything unusual or concerning, they can then order a biopsy to determine if the issue is oral cancer or not.
The good news is that oral cancer screenings are included in your dental checkup and cleaning, meaning you won’t have to worry about any additional expenses for the process. Simply schedule your routine dental visits every six months, and you’ll increase your chances of avoiding this disease and other serious issues in the future.
About the Practice
At Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, our team wishes to ensure you’re completely free of any underlying or growing complications whenever you visit us. That’s why we offer various preventive dental services, including oral cancer screenings, to keep you safe from more serious issues in the long run. If you wish to know more about this process or want to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us at 614-792-1800.