The Importance Of Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer is a dangerous illness that can affect the gums, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, lips, tongue, and cheeks. Regular screenings are an essential part of preventive dental care because, like many cancers, oral cancer is best treated when discovered early. At Comfort Dental Spa, we put your dental health first by providing thorough oral cancer screenings in Farmington Hills, MI as part of our regular examinations, assisting you in maintaining your general and oral health!

What Is Oral Cancer?

There are two types of oral cancers: cancers of the oral cavity and cancers of the oropharynx.

  • Cancers of the oral cavity directly impact the inside of your cheeks, the floor and roof of your mouth, lips, teeth, gums, and the front two-thirds of your tongue.
  • Cancers of the oropharynx are located in the tonsils, throat, base of the tongue, and the area where the tongue connects to the floor of the mouth. The soft area of the roof of your mouth is where your throat (pharynx) begins, and it continues back into your throat.

You can significantly reduce the impact that oral cancer may have on your life by being aware of the risk factors and symptoms. Through oral cancer screenings, our dentist can influence the disease outcome when confronted with patients experiencing oral mucosal changes indicative of early squamous cell carcinoma. If needed, we can refer you to a trusted oral cancer doctor or an oral cancer surgeon for further evaluation or treatment.

Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings So Important?

Lives Can Be Saved With Early Detection

According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, your chances of surviving oral cancer are almost doubled if you catch it early! This is why it’s crucial to understand exactly what symptoms to look out for and be aware of the factors that increase your risk of contracting oral cancer. Our dentist can quickly and easily examine your oral tissues for indications of precancerous and cancerous lesions as part of your dental examination. If required, we can guide you to some of the best oral cancer treatment centers to ensure you receive expert care.

Non-Invasive And Straightforward Process

Our dentist will ask you about health-related risk factors during your appointment, including past and present illnesses, treatments, lifestyle choices, and health-related habits and behaviors. They will also ask whether you have been experiencing any unusual or new symptoms as of late.

After that, we will carefully examine your lips, cheek lining, gums, tongue (front and back), tonsils, throat, floor and roof of your mouth, and the point where your tongue meets the bottom of your mouth. We’ll also check your neck and jaw for lumps or odd symptoms. For more advanced cases or concerns, we work with oral cancer doctors to ensure comprehensive care.

Enables Understanding Of Increased Risk Factors

By abstaining from habits that researchers have found to be closely linked to the development of oral cancer, you can lower your chance of getting the disease. The main risk factor for oral cancers in the United States has been found to be the use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars, and smokeless forms like snuff and chewing tobacco, especially when paired with excessive alcohol intake. Oral cancer is more common in men than in women, and older adults are typically more vulnerable.

Easily Integrates With Oral Health Maintenance Routine

You can seamlessly incorporate at-home oral examinations into daily oral hygiene care. However, our experienced dentist will check for oral cancer more thoroughly. If you experience a persistent sore throat, red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or mouth lining, difficulty chewing or swallowing, loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit, or other oral health issues that have been ongoing for more than two weeks, it’s essential to give our compassionate team a call.

For those requiring specialized attention, we can refer you to an oral cancer surgeon or coordinate care with the best oral cancer treatment centers to provide a personalized and effective plan for your needs.

Don’t hesitate to have our friendly and focused dentist in Farmington Hills, MI examine your oral health. Contact our devoted Comfort Dental Spa team today! We’re here to help you take proactive steps for a healthier, happier life.