We all know that we should go to the dentist regularly to get our teeth cleaned and check for cavities. But did you know that your dentist can also help detect signs of oral cancer? At Berthoud Dental Care, we offer oral cancer screenings as part of our regular dental check-ups. Here’s why you should make sure to get an oral cancer screening during your next visit.
Oral cancer is more common than you may think
Despite what many people believe, you don’t have to be a heavy smoker or drinker to develop oral cancer. In fact, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, half of all new cases of oral cancer are found in people who do not smoke tobacco products and do not drink alcohol excessively. Oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why it’s so important to get screened.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The Mayo Clinic lists a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate oral cancer. These include:
- A sore that doesn’t heal and bleeds easily
- A persistent lump or thickening in your mouth or neck
- White or red patches on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of your mouth
- A feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Changes in voice
These symptoms may also be indicative of other conditions; however, it’s important to see a dentist if you experience any one of them so that they can properly assess whether you have oral cancer.
Oral cancer screenings are quick and easy
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will simply examine your mouth for any signs of abnormal tissue growth. The entire process takes less than five minutes and could end up saving your life.
Early detection is key with oral cancer
When caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer patients is quite high. In fact, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the 5-year survival rate for those caught in the early stages is 83%. However, the survival rate plummets to just 34% when the disease has spread to other parts of the body. This is why it’s so important to get regular oral cancer screenings; catching the disease early could save your life.
If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, now is the time to schedule an appointment with us at Berthoud Dental Care. We offer convenient appointment times and accept most major insurance plans. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or request more information about our services.
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