Regular oral cancer screenings are essential in protecting your overall health and wellness. These screenings help identify any abnormalities or signs of potential disease, allowing for quick diagnosis and intervention. By catching this deadly condition in its early stages, the chances of successful treatment and recovery drastically increase. At your dental In today’s blog, your Lake Orion, MI, dentist talks about protecting your oral health with oral cancer screenings.
Who May be Affected by Oral Cancer?
This disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, certain factors will increase your risk. Using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco, are at higher risk. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure leading to lip cancer, a family history of oral cancer, and certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the susceptibility to this disease. Surprisingly, even poor hygiene can increase the chances of disease due to an increase in harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Symptoms to Pay Attention to
Recognizing the symptoms is vital to ensuring early detection. While they may vary from person to person, some common signs to watch out for include:
1. Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal.
2. Unexplained or prolonged hoarseness.
3. Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks.
4. Difficulty or pain while swallowing or speaking.
5. Swelling or lumps in the mouth, neck, or throat.
6. Numbness in the mouth or lips.
7. Unexplained weight loss.
How The VELscope Aids in Detection
At our office, we take pride in offering additional tools to aid in the early detection of cancer. The VELsope uses light to enhance the visualization of abnormal tissues that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. This non-invasive, painless procedure can be performed during your regular dental check-ups and takes just minutes. Its ability to identify potentially cancerous areas earlier than traditional methods enhances the chances of successful treatment.
Schedule Your Dental Check-Up
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially devastating disease that can affect anyone. By recognizing potential symptoms and undergoing oral cancer screenings, we can take proactive steps toward preventing the progression of this disease. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, MI by calling 248-693-6213 to schedule your next appointment with our team and learn more about our oral cancer screenings.
