Oral cancer screenings have become an important part of your routine dental checkups. Dentists alone catch around 84% of oral cancers early on, giving their patients the best chance at a full recovery. During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it’s vital to your oral and overall health to understand the importance of oral cancer screenings. Keep reading to learn more about oral cancer and what you can expect during these quick and easy screenings.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings are Vital
Catching oral cancer early on can lead to a full recovery. However, letting the cancer spread can cause serious health issues and even death. So, if you were looking for one more reason to visit your dentist, here it is! Many oral cancer symptoms are hard to detect on your own, but you should contact your dentist if you notice any of these signs:
- White or red spots in your mouth
- Sores that won’t heal
- Lumps or bumps in your mouth
- Pain in your ear
- Pain in your mouth
- Pain when swallowing
- Feeling like there’s something stuck in your throat
If you notice any changes in the soft tissue in or around your mouth, contact your dentist. They may order a biopsy for further investigation. Dentists never want to find cancer, but early detection has the potential to save your life.
What Happens During My Oral Cancer Screening?
In total, an oral cancer screening only takes a few minutes. Your dentist will examine your face, neck, head, mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat, and any other related areas for abnormalities that may tip off oral cancer. They may also feel around your jaw and lymph nodes to check for any lumps or bumps. You may have even had an oral cancer screening before during a routine checkup without even realizing it.
How Can I Avoid Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone at any age, there are some steps you can take to minimize your chances of being affected:
- Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco products.
- Avoid heavily consuming alcohol.
- Keep your face and mouth protected from the sun.
- Visit your dentist for routine oral cancer screenings.
Now that you know more about oral cancer and why screenings are important for your health, contact your dentist to schedule a potentially life-saving routine checkup.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Louis Olberding is experienced in detecting oral cancers while the symptoms are still small. He believes in patient education, which is why he wants you to know more about oral cancer during this month of awareness. He currently runs his own practice, and he can be contacted through his website or by phone at (402) 488-2325.