Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral Cancer Screenings in Germantown, MD
Oral cancer is not the most fun topic to discuss within the field of dentistry, but it is a very important one. At River Stone Dental Center, our patient’s health and safety is our number one priority, and we want to do everything we can to help our valued patients lead healthy, happy lives. Contact our office to schedule your next routine dental appointment and oral cancer screening with our team today!
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What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
There are many signs that can indicate that oral cancer or another issue is present. However, patients are sometimes completely unaware that anything is wrong, which is why routine oral cancer screenings are so important. Common signs of oral cancer include:
- Pain in the mouth, ear, or face
- A lump in the cheek or neck
- A persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Change in color of gums, tongue, or mouth
- Enlarged neck lymph nodes
How often should you receive an oral cancer screening?
During your routine dental visits, your dentist is checking your teeth and gums for signs of issues like tooth decay and gum disease, but they are also assessing your tongue and the inside of your mouth for possible signs of oral cancer. Scheduling regular dental appointments at least twice per year is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of dental problems, including oral cancer. If you are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer or you know it runs in your family, please let our team know so we can be sure to add this information to your file.
Is oral cancer preventable?
Patients can lower their risk of developing oral cancer by reducing their alcohol intake and tobacco usage as well as minimizing the amount of sun exposure they receive. However, oral cancer is not entirely preventable. The good news is oral cancer is highly treatable when it is diagnosed and treated early on, so scheduling routine oral cancer screenings is your best bet, especially if you are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
Whether you always schedule regular dental visits or it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, our team is here to assist. Contact our office to schedule your next visit today!
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