Regular dental checkups are not just about looking for cavities, dental decay, gum disease, and signs of damage or infection. They’re also designed to be a preventive solution that can potentially save your life. With oral cancer killing one individual every hour in the United States, regular screenings are essential. Keep reading to learn why your dentist strongly urges six-month appointments, not only to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile but also to keep you from becoming a statistic.
What Occurs During an Oral Cancer Screening?
When meeting with your dentist for a regular dental checkup, they will conduct an oral cancer screening to see if abnormalities exist that require further testing.
Most patients never know the screening is being conducted because of how fast it can be performed; however, many dentists are now attempting to educate individuals on their purpose and importance.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will look at your mouth, jaw, face, neck, and throat to determine if any of the following are evident:
- Discolored patches of oral tissues (i.e., lips, tongue, cheeks, gums)
- Oral sores or lesions that are not healing after a few days
- Bad breath or halitosis
- A lump within the cheek
- Numbness inside the mouth, especially the tongue
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Sore throat
- Inflammation or dry mouth
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
If any of these are found, further testing will be required. You can expect your dentist to refer you to a local physician who will determine if you have oral cancer.
Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?
Affecting more than 50,000 people in the United States each year, the five-year survival rate is only slightly more than half (57%) for those who are diagnosed.
Unfortunately, many individuals do not receive treatment until the cancer is in its later stages, often leading to higher fatality rates. However, if caught early, it can be treated more successfully, which is why dentists are some of the best allies to have in this fight.
Skilled in being able to detect the signs in their earliest stages, your dentist can help you get the care you need so that you can receive life-saving treatment. But this is only possible if you maintain regular checkups every six months.
Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, don’t let any more time slip by. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so that you can be sure you enjoy better oral and overall health year after year.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph attended the Medical University of South Carolina, earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses, including state-of-the-art training in Trinon dental implants and orthodontics. In addition, he is skilled in identifying signs of oral cancer so that patients can get the help they need before it’s too late. If you are unsure about the health of your smile and want to undergo a thorough screening, contact us at (843) 488-4357.