We suggest a checkup visit twice a year for people for all ages, as this lets us keep an eye on your smile and watch for signs of trouble in the early stages. We also want to take time to screen the smiles of our adult patients with an oral cancer screening. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists want to talk about the importance of these screenings!
The Dangers and Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Studies from the Oral Cancer Foundation reveal that at least 53,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. However, of that number, half will succumb to the disease within just five years after diagnosis. One major factor behind the high mortality rate is the fact that the disease is rarely caught in the early stages, which would otherwise improve the chances of recovery. By the time people realize something is wrong, the cancer is more advanced. Warning signs include lesions, sores, and a sore throat that doesn’t heal after two weeks. Rough patches in your smile, areas of red and white splotches, changes in your voice, and sudden weight loss could be warning signs as well. You could also have trouble eating and chewing. If you encounter one or more of these symptoms, please see us for a screening right away!
The Screening Process
Using a visual scan and advanced digital technology, we will carefully look at your gum and orals tissues for possible indicators of cancerous and precancerous areas. If we discover anything, we could refer you for a biopsy to see if you need treatment for cancer. We offer these once a year for adults, which increases the chances of catching the disease in the earliest stages, thereby improving your chances of a full recovery!
Schedule a Checkup
To make sure you undergo your screenings every year, you should attend a checkup every six months. During these visits, we will examine your whole smile and also clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup. We can uncover other issues early, such as cavities and gum disease, and also remove plaque to limit the risk of these same issues. If you have any questions about our checkups, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings, then please contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy your healthiest smile!
Ready to Set Up Your Next Visit?
Our team wants to make sure you stay healthy with our preventive exams every few months. To learn more about keeping smiles strong for years to come, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Cambridge, Brookline, and all surrounding communities.
