Ask a General Dentist: What Dental Exams Can Detect Early Oral Cancer?
Asking a dentist about exams that help detect oral cancer is something every dental patient should do, as the more knowledge one has, the more likely they will be to make …
Since some of the warning signs associated with oral cancer can be confused with other less serious dental problems, it is important for patients to learn more about the warning signs of oral cancer. Understanding the signs can help you determine whether or not the symptoms you are currently experiencing are indeed cancer-related. You can only know for sure by making a dental appointment for a thorough mouth examination.
Learning more about oral cancer will not only help in diagnosing the condition, but it can also help you understand how to prevent a cancer diagnosis in the future. Oral cancer can be located anywhere inside the mouth, e.g. lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or hard palate. It can even develop in the tonsils and the back of the throat, making it more difficult to see.
According to the American Cancer Society, around 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019. In many cases, oral cancers can be treated and managed in their early stages when caught early. Routine dental checkups consist of checking for cancer warning signs in order to catch any signs early and prevent the progression of cancer cells.
The following is a list of some of the common warning signs associated with oral cancer. When a patient experiences any of these warning signs for many weeks, they need to be examined by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the patient’s chances of experiencing successful treatment and results.
When someone experiences pain in their mouth that does not go away or a sore throat that does not seem to heal, they need to be checked for oral cancer.
White or red patches that are present on the gums, tongue, and tonsils, or located anywhere in the lining of their mouth, is a sign that oral cancer may be present.
Experiencing difficulty when chewing or swallowing food is a warning sign. This includes experiencing problems moving the tongue or swallowing because the tongue is numb in certain areas.
While many people associate having loose teeth and bad breath with gum disease, they are also warning signs of oral cancer. This is why it is essential for everyone to make regular dental appointments, as a dental professional will know whether or not these signs are associated with gum disease or oral cancer, both of which require immediate treatment.
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, the only way you can be sure is by making an appointment with a dental professional. We will conduct a full and thorough examination, which will let you know exactly what is going on. Once your examination is complete, we will discuss the results and any necessary treatments. Whether or not a cancer diagnosis is made, these signs and symptoms should be evaluated and treated immediately. Our team can help you understand more about oral cancer and any symptoms you are experiencing or schedule a consultation appointment for a thorough evaluation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.nolanriverdentalcenter.com or call Nolan River Dental Center at (817) 517-6453 for an appointment in our Cleburne office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Cancer Screening in Cleburne, TX.
Asking a dentist about exams that help detect oral cancer is something every dental patient should do, as the more knowledge one has, the more likely they will be to make …
There are certain risk factors for oral cancer that are important to be mindful about. Along with routine oral cancer screenings from your dentist, it is encouraged to check for any early signs of oral …
We can provide you with an oral cancer screening in Cleburne, a simple step that could help to save your life. While oral cancer is something that most people do not think about, it is …
As an experienced dentist, we can help to watch for and identify signs of oral cancer. Early prevention is the key to fighting any type of cancer and by having your teeth examined twice a …
Oral surgery for most patients turns out not to be as scary as it sounds…
Sedation dentistry is the act of using medication to ease the patient's anxiety and mind…
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations.
A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…
There is no need to be apprehensive about a root canal appointment. Many people believe…
Visiting a new dental office is a great way to take charge of your oral…