Feeling comfortable and confident in your smile’s appearance is contingent on how often and how well you take care of it. It is also important to recognize that sometimes factors outside of your control – such as a physical accident or injury – can complicate your smile’s health and appearance as well. Though you may be taking care to brush and floss regularly, failing to attend routine checkups can lead to the development of major complications and various nontraditional concerns. In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI dentist explains the importance in scheduling an oral cancer screening and details what you can expect during your visit.
Why Screen for Oral Cancer?
It goes without saying that among the various oral health concerns out there, tooth decay and gum disease are by far the most common. In fact, your parents or guardians likely emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing when you were younger in order to help you fend off these threats.
What you might not be aware of, however, is that there are several other smile concerns that you could face without even knowing it. Take, for example, oral cancer. There is a common misconception that only individuals who smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products can develop oral cancer. On the contrary, it can affect anyone of any age, and screening for the concern regularly offers the best chances of identifying it and treating it early.
An oral cancer screening is a quick, noninvasive process, and we can complete your screening during your next preventive checkup appointment. To learn more about this process and how our team can help, give us a call today.
Factors We Look For
When you attend your checkup, your dentist will likely provide an oral cancer screening. This process involves checking your oral structures for specific signs or symptoms, including rough red or white patches, bleeding, and sores that do not seem to heal.
To ensure a thorough examination, we check all of the tissues within the oral cavity, including the cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and back of the throat. For more information about the screening process and how you can schedule yours with our team, contact our office.
Other Ways You Can Help
It is important to keep in mind that oral cancer can affect anyone. You should also know that there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s chances of developing the phenomenon. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure of the lips to too much sunlight, and use of tobacco products all increase a person’s likelihood of developing oral cancer.
Learn More Today
Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our office and learn more about the steps you can take to ensure the best chances of success for your oral health.
