April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, which is dedicated to encouraging adults to undergo a regular oral cancer screening. Although you often do not hear much about the cancer, it is estimated that over 49,000 Americans each year will be diagnosed with a form of it. Unfortunately, of those diagnosed, only a little over half will survive more than 5 years. The low survival rate is often due to late diagnosis. Thankfully, you can promote your odds of early detection with a routine screening during your next preventive appointment with your dentist in Lincoln.
Benefit from Early Detection
All too often, oral cancer goes undetected until it has reached advanced stages or spread to other areas of the body. Late detection is often due to the lack of regular oral cancer screenings, which can easily be performed at your preventive appointments for a cleaning and checkup. It is estimated that 84% of new oral cancer cases can be found early through a screening from a dental professional.
In addition to cleaning your teeth and looking at their health, your dentist will also look for signs of oral cancer, which can include:
- Red or white spots in the mouth
- Spots that bleed or will not heal
- Lumps, hard spots, or rough patches in the mouth
- Numbness or pain
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, and moving the jaw or tongue
- Changes to your bite or alignment
If your dentist finds an area that is concerning, a tissue sample will be taken for a biopsy. A lab will analyze the tissue and your dentist will notify you of the results.
Risks for Oral Cancer
Anyone can be diagnosed with oral cancer; however, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chance for it occurring, such as:
- Being male
- Over the age of 40
- Tobacco Use
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus
- An unhealthy diet
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Genetics
No matter your risk factors, it is best to have an oral cancer screening performed at your preventive dental appointments.
Don’t Skip Your Next Appointment
Now, you have another reason not to skip your next dental appointment. In addition to promoting the health of your smile with a cleaning and checkup, you can benefit from early detection with an oral cancer screening. In just a few minutes, the simple and pain-free screening will allow you to monitor your oral health and the development of cancerous or precancerous cells.
If it has been more than 6 months since your last preventive appointment, do not wait. Contact your dentist today to schedule an appointment.
About Dr. Louis Olberding
Dr. Louis Olberding strives to provide comprehensive dental care through tailored solutions for his patients. He understands that each patient has unique needs. He creates personalized treatments to help them reach their oral health goals. In addition to advanced dental care, he also provides oral cancer screenings to promote early detection. If it has been more than 6 months since your last appointment, please contact Olberding Dental today to schedule your next preventive appointment.