Over 53,000 people in the US will get an oral cancer diagnosis in 2023. Any form of cancer is a scary prospect, but early detection is one of the most effective methods of improving your prognosis. During an oral cancer screening, our team looks for early signs of the disease and deals with the findings accordingly.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Dentists perform an oral cancer screening to look for abnormal cells or lesions around your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and throat. In doing so, they might catch the disease during its initial stage, increasing your chances of a complete recovery. One of our trained dentists puts gloves on and starts examining and feeling tissue inside your mouth. If necessary, they also make you rinse with a safe dye that turns cancer cells blue, or shine a light that colors dangerous tissue white.
During this exam, dentists look for problems like:
- Red patches
- White spots
- Lip lesions
- Lumps
- Swollen or strange-looking tissue
When Do You Need an Oral Cancer Screening?
If you notice visible mouth or facial lesions that don’t go away, please schedule a dentist appointment to undergo an oral cancer screening. However, not all signs of this disease are visible, so talk to a professional about how often you should get this treatment. People at higher risk of contracting oral cancer are:
- Smokers
- Tobacco chewers
- Patients with a weak immune system
- Alcohol users
Looking for a Dentist Who Performs Oral Cancer Screenings in Jacksonville, FL?
Oral cancer is a severe disease, but you’re more likely to win a battle against this condition if you catch it on time. At Southern Smiles, we have the necessary technology to help you maintain your oral health away from cancer and other diseases. Book an appointment with our team today!
