Oral Cancer Screening
With Hart Dental Group in Upper Arlington and Grandview, you can take steps to protect your oral health. We understand that you probably think about removing plaque and tartar when you come to the dentist, but oral cancer screening is an important element of your oral health exams.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a simple, non-invasive procedure performed by dental professionals to identify early signs of oral cancer. The process usually starts with a visual examination. Dr. Hart will examine the inside of your mouth, throat, and lips for any abnormal-looking patches, lesions, or swelling.
Then, we will follow up this process with a physical examination. Dr. Hart will gently touch your head, neck, and jaw area to check for any unusual lumps or tenderness. Once we are done, we will discuss the results with you, and we will let you know if you need to take any further action. Of course, if you have concerns about oral discomfort or abnormalities in your mouth, let us know during the checkup.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
There are several reasons why oral cancer screening is an integral part of the care we provide:
- Early detection: Oral cancer is treatable when detected early. Regular screening increases the chances of finding cancerous lesions in their initial stages.
- Better prognosis: Identifying oral cancer early improves treatment success and reduces the risk of complications.
- Increased awareness: Oral cancer screening educates patients about the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures to maintain good oral health.
If it is time for your next check-up, reach out to us to schedule an appointment for your oral cancer screening.
What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer can present in a variety of ways. Some of the common signs of oral cancer:
- Sores or ulcers that persist for more than two weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps or thickening of the tissues in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw and tongue
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Unexplained pain or numbness in the mouth
- Ear pain without any hearing loss
If you have spotted any of these issues in your mouth, do not wait until your next checkup. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for an examination.
How To Prevent Oral Cancer
A few simple tips can reduce your risk of oral cancer. They include:
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer. It’s crucial to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of oral cancer. Drink responsibly and in moderation.
- Eat a healthy diet: Consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to boost your immune system and overall health.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Excessive sun exposure can cause lip cancer. Apply lip balm with SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
Our goal is to minimize your chances of developing oral cancer. Make sure you get screened regularly.
Schedule an Appointment in Upper Arlington and Grandview
At Hart Dental Group, our skilled dentists provide comprehensive oral cancer screening services to safeguard your oral health. We are conveniently located in the Upper Arlington and Grandview part of the Columbus region, and we are always available to help you. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (614) 486-1123.