Early Detection, Lifelong Protection

Your oral health is more than just a bright smile—it’s a vital part of your overall well-being. While brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings are essential for healthy teeth and gums, there’s another critical component of preventive dentistry that’s often overlooked: oral cancer screenings.

Oral cancer can develop with no obvious signs or symptoms, making early detection essential. By catching oral cancer in its earliest stages, you’re giving yourself the best chance for successful treatment and better health outcomes. This blog will walk you through what oral cancer screenings are, why they matter, and how you can take control of your health with the help of Metro East Dental Care.

What is oral cancer, and why does it happen?

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the mouth or throat, affecting areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the roof, or floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. It’s part of a broader group of cancers called head and neck cancers.

The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up around 90% of oral cancer cases. Other types include minor salivary gland carcinomas and oral melanoma, though these are less common.

What causes oral cancer?

Oral cancer occurs when the DNA in mouth cells mutates, causing cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. Over time, these cells form a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain lifestyle choices and health conditions increase the risk. These include:

  • Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco)
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Family history of cancer

Symptoms to Watch For

Detecting the early signs of oral cancer can be challenging, but there are some red flags to watch for, including:

  • Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal
  • Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  • A lump, thickening, or unusual growth inside the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or pain in the mouth or throat

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to schedule an oral cancer screening as soon as possible.

What happens during the screening process?

At Metro East Dental Care, oral cancer screenings are quick, noninvasive, and pain-free. The process typically takes just a few minutes, but could make a significant difference in your health.

Visual Evaluation

Your dentist will begin by visually inspecting your mouth, lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the back of your throat. They’ll look for any abnormal patches, sores, or discoloration that might be a cause for concern.

Physical Evaluation

Next, your dentist will use their fingers to feel for lumps or hard areas in your neck, jaw, and around your mouth. This process is called palpation and helps identify areas that may not be visible but could indicate an underlying issue.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Some dental offices, including Metro East Dental Care, may use advanced diagnostic tools to detect abnormalities that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These tools could include special lights or dyes that highlight suspicious areas, providing a more thorough examination.

The entire screening is fast, painless, and could save your life.

Who should get screened for oral cancer?

Wondering if you’re due for an oral cancer screening? The answer is likely yes. Oral cancer screenings are recommended for everyone, but certain groups of people should be especially proactive about getting screened. The following people are at higher-risk and should be screened regularly:

  • Adults aged 40 and older (oral cancer risk increases with age)
  • Tobacco users (smokers and smokeless tobacco users)
  • Heavy alcohol drinkers
  • People with HPV (human papillomavirus is linked to oral cancer)
  • Family history of cancer

If you fall into any of these categories, you should get screened at least once a year. For those with no known risk factors, it’s still a good idea to include an oral cancer screening as part of your routine preventive dentistry visits.

What are the benefits of early detection?

When it comes to cancer detection, earlier is always better. Detecting oral cancer early will increase the chances of successful treatment and better health outcomes.

Studies show that the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is over 80% when detected early, but that rate drops significantly if cancer is discovered at a later stage. Early detection means treatment can begin right away, potentially leading to less invasive treatment options and higher survival rates.

When oral cancer is caught early, treatment is often simpler and less intense. Surgery may be less extensive, and more conservative treatments like targeted radiation or small excisions may be possible. Knowing you’re cancer-free also provides peace of mind. Regular screenings keep you in control of your health and ensure that, if anything unusual is detected, you’re ahead of the game.

What happens if something is detected?

If a suspicious area is found during your screening, don’t panic. Here’s what happens next:

  • Referral to a specialist: Your dentist will refer you to a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, for further evaluation.
  • Diagnostic tests: The specialist may order additional tests, like a biopsy, to determine if the abnormality is cancerous.
  • Treatment planning: If cancer is confirmed, a treatment plan will be created, which could include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the severity and location of the cancer.

Remember, early detection through oral cancer screenings means treatment can begin earlier, which leads to better health outcomes.

Don’t wait for symptoms—book your oral cancer screening at Metro East Dental Care.

Metro East Dental Care is committed to providing high-quality preventive dentistry services, including comprehensive oral cancer screenings. Our team of caring professionals will guide you through the screening process and answer any questions you have along the way.

If you’re concerned about the cost, we’ve got you covered. Ask about our membership plan, which makes preventive care affordable and accessible to all. With routine checkups and screenings, you can stay ahead of oral cancer and maintain optimal health.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule an oral cancer screening today with Metro East Dental Care to protect your smile, health, and future.