Why We Screen for Oral Cancer?

Cancer is known to everybody, but usually the most common ones, like, lung, breast, skin and so on. But since at Westgreen Dental & Orthodontics, we are concerned about the health of your mouth, we keep an eye out for oral cancer.

Oral cancer should not be an afterthought since it is the most prevalent forms of cancer causing mortality. Unlike any other form of cancer, oral cancer can occur all over the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and hard palate. If caught early, oral cancer can be successfully treated. So, here the emphasis is to be given on the word “early”.

Oral cancer screening involves lifting the tongue and checking the glands to spot the cancerous areas. Many people believe that if they don’t smoke, they won’t develop oral cancer. However, it’s not true. Approx 20% of people who don’t smoke are diagnosed with Oral Cancer.

More and more young patients are developing oral cancer due to HPV (Human Papillomavirus). This virus holds a great connection with cervical cancer but it is also known to increase the risk of oral cancer. Oral cancers discovered at later stages are usually due to patients skipping regular dental examination.

Symptoms to look out for Oral Cancer:

• Bleeding in the mouth
• Soreness in the back of your throat
• Numbness in the face, mouth, neck or ear
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Hoarseness in voice
• Sudden weight loss

How our dentists look out for oral cancer?

At Westgreen Dental & Orthodontics, our dentists feel for lumps or irregular changes in the mouth, face, head or neck. They also check sores, or discolored tissue and analyze about any of the symptoms given above.

So, if you have been skipping twice-yearly cleanings, now is the time to act upon. It will reduce your chance of developing gum diseases and also control oral cancer to advance at a later stage.

Schedule your next appointment today.

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