An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless examination of the mouth, teeth, gums, and throat that is used to check for signs of cancer. While oral cancer is relatively rare, it is important to catch it in its early stages, as this can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. It’s important to understand who should get an oral cancer screening and why it is important.
Some People are at a Bigger Risk
First, let’s consider the risk factors for oral cancer. Some people are at higher risk of developing oral cancer due to certain lifestyle habits or medical conditions. For example, tobacco use (including smoking and chewing tobacco) is a major risk factor for oral cancer. Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, is also a risk factor. Other risk factors include a history of sun exposure (which can cause lip cancer), a weakened immune system, and certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus). If you have any of these risk factors, it is especially important to get an oral cancer screening.
Even if you do not have any of the above risk factors, it is still a good idea to get an oral cancer screening on a regular basis. This is especially true for people over the age of 40, as the risk of oral cancer increases with age. Your dentist or dental hygienist can perform an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental check-up.
What to Expect
During an oral cancer screening, our Long Island dentist will look for any signs of abnormal growths or changes in the mouth, teeth, gums, and throat. They may also feel the tissues in the mouth for lumps or abnormalities. If they find any signs of potential cancer, they may recommend further testing such as a biopsy, or a referral to a specialist (such as an oral surgeon.)
It is important to note that an oral cancer screening is not a substitute for a full medical examination, and it is not a diagnostic test for cancer. However, it is an important part of your overall oral health care, and can help to catch any potential problems early on. If you have not had an oral cancer screening recently, we recommend scheduling one with your dentist as soon as possible.
An oral cancer screening is an important part of maintaining your oral health. If you have any risk factors for oral cancer, or even if you’re a completely healthy adult who does not drink or smoke, we recommend getting an oral cancer screening on a regular basis. We can perform this quick and painless examination as part of your regular dental check-up. Early detection is key to successful treatment of oral cancer, so don’t delay in getting an oral cancer screening when you schedule your preventive care visit at Sachem Dental Group.
If it’s been six months or longer since your last checkup, call our dentists in Long Island today to request an appointment.
