We are dedicated to your complete oral health
Know the Facts
- Oral cancer strikes over 40,000 Americans each year
- Smoking, using chewing tobacco, and heavy drinking are prime risk factors
- over 25% of diagnosed adults don’t smoke or drink heavily
- Regular visits to our dental office can lead to early diagnosis and treatment
Signs of Trouble
We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A lump, thickening or rough spot
- Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
Screening
Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole and not just your teeth to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.
Prevention
Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer.
- Avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking sun protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips
