Understanding oral cancer screening: Why It matters

Oral cancer screening is a vital tool for protecting your health. At Neola Dental in Minneola, FL, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screening to detect early signs of cancer in the mouth. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection through oral cancer screening significantly improves treatment outcomes. Here’s what you need to know about oral cancer screening and why it matters.

What is oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screening is a routine examination performed by your dentist to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. During oral cancer screening, your dentist checks your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities. They look for unusual lumps, discoloration, or sores that do not heal.

Cancer happens when regular cells turn into cancerous ones that grow and spread quickly. It’s the second leading cause of death in the U.S. Regular oral cancer screening helps catch problems early.

Who needs oral cancer screening?

High-risk groups

While anyone can benefit from regular oral cancer screening, certain groups face higher risk. High-risk factors include:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases oral cancer risk.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Combined with tobacco, alcohol greatly heightens cancer likelihood.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Some HPV strains are linked to oral and throat cancers.
• Age: People over 40 are generally more susceptible to oral cancer.

Recommended age and frequency

Most people should begin oral cancer screening at age 40. However, individuals with high-risk factors should start earlier, around age 20 or 30. Dentists recommend oral cancer screening at least once yearly during regular checkups. High-risk individuals may need bi-annual screenings.

How oral cancer screening works

The oral cancer screening process is quick, non-invasive, and painless. It typically involves several examination techniques.

Visual examination

During oral cancer screening, your dentist carefully inspects the inside of your mouth. They examine your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth. They look for discolorations, unusual patches, or sores that haven’t healed. Your dentist may ask you to move your tongue to see hard-to-reach areas.

Physical examination

Your dentist performs a physical examination by gently feeling around your jaw, neck, and oral tissues. They check for lumps, thickened areas, or tenderness. This tactile inspection identifies abnormalities that might not be visible. The dentist may ask about any pain or discomfort you’ve experienced.

Special tools and dyes

Some oral cancer screening procedures use special tools or dyes. Fluorescent lights or special rinses highlight abnormal tissues. Toluidine blue dye stains suspicious areas for easier identification. These advanced techniques ensure thorough examination of oral tissues.

Signs and symptoms to watch

Common symptoms

Recognizing early signs can save lives. Watch for these symptoms:

• Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks.
• Red or white patches in your mouth.
• Unexplained lumps or thickening in oral tissues.
• Difficulty swallowing or chronic sore throat.
• Unexplained numbness in the mouth or lips.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an oral cancer screening immediately. Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes.

Self-examination importance

Being proactive means staying aware of changes in your mouth. Perform regular self-examinations between professional oral cancer screening appointments. Check for persistent sores, lumps, or discolorations. Self-checks combined with professional screenings improve early detection rates.

Benefits of regular screening

Early detection saves lives

Catching oral cancer early increases successful treatment chances. When detected in initial stages, oral cancer is more manageable. It often requires less invasive treatments. Regular oral cancer screening is crucial even if you feel perfectly healthy.

Make screening routine

Your health is priceless. Incorporate oral cancer screening into routine dental visits. Discuss any concerns with your dentist, especially if you have risk factors. Report persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, or mouth changes promptly.

Lowering your oral cancer risk

Preventative measures reduce your chances of developing oral cancer:

• Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco forms.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental visits.
• Use sun protection for your lips.
• Get HPV vaccination if eligible.

Health organization guidelines

The American Dental Association recommends routine oral cancer screening during regular dental visits. This is especially important for individuals over 40 or those with risk factors. Organizations emphasize quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Schedule oral cancer screening at Neola Dental

At Neola Dental in Minneola, FL, we prioritize your health and well-being. Our experienced team provides thorough oral cancer screening as part of comprehensive dental care.

Don’t wait to protect your health. Schedule your oral cancer screening today and take a proactive step toward early detection. Contact our oral health specialists to book your appointment!