Your biannual visit to your Covington dentist is about so much more than keeping your teeth sparkling clean. They also play an essential role in identifying a wide range of oral health issues as early as possible. One incredibly important problem your dentist checks for is oral cancer. This dangerous health concern impacts more than 50,000 Americans every year, and it can be life-threatening if not caught and treated early enough. Here’s what you need to know about oral cancer and how regular dental checkups can help keep your smile healthy.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer manifests as an uncontrollable growth of cells on the tongue, lips, gums, throat, or anywhere else in the mouth. The multiplying cells spread out and damage the surrounding tissues, which can lead to major complications. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, roughly 53,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the US next year, 10,000 of which will be terminal. While oral cancer can be fatal if left undetected, it can be successfully treated and cured when discovered in its earliest stages.
How Do Routine Dental Checkups Help?
An oral cancer screening is a regular part of your dental checkup. It’s a very fast and comfortable procedure, so you may not even realize you’ve had one! With their advanced training and modern technology, your dentist can closely inspect areas of your mouth you may have trouble seeing. They’ll carefully examine your oral cavity along with your jaw, neck, and face for any abnormalities that could indicate a larger issue.
Like other oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease, oral cancer typically develops and progresses without you seeing or feeling it. Seeing your dentist every six months is the best way to catch any problems in your mouth, even if your smile looks and feels fine. Thankfully, the earlier oral cancer is detected, the more likely successful treatment is.
What Are Some Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?
Call your dentist right away for an oral cancer screening if you notice any symptoms like:
- Strange patches of discoloration in your mouth.
- Unusual crusts, rough areas, or swelling in your mouth.
- Slow-healing sores or unexplained oral bleeding.
- Chronically sore throat.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Remember, regular dental checkups benefit much more than just your pearly whites! Keep your whole mouth happy and healthy with routine visits to your dentist and oral cancer screenings twice a year.
About the Author
At MoreSMILES Dental Spa in Covington, LA, you can expect the most progressive dental solutions and advanced technology. Dr. James Moreau is proud to offer thorough dental checkups that screen for a wide variety of issues and risk factors including sleep apnea, TMJ disorder, and oral cancer. With the help of state-of-the-art equipment like Magnification Loupes and our Galileos 3D Cone Beam imaging system, he can help spot and stop oral health issues before they cause discomfort or damage. To learn more about oral cancer, feel free to contact him via his website or at (985) 809-7645.