Regular check-ups with your dentist every six months are important to maintaining your oral health. But they may be able to do much more than that – your oral health is intricately linked to your overall health. One important aspect of your regular check-ups is an oral cancer screening.
An oral cancer screening is important for everyone, but especially for people with a higher risk of developing cancer. This includes:
During a screening, your dentist will provide a thorough exam. We look closely at both the inside and outside of the lips, examine the gums, tongue, insides of cheeks, roof of the mouth, and back of the throat. We are looking and feeling for any lumps or spots that look or feel abnormal, as well as patches of color or asymmetries.
If the dentist identifies something that is cause for concern, you may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment to monitor the issue or directed to have a biopsy.
Early diagnosis of oral cancer reduces health issues down the road and can provide the best prognosis. Lowell Dental Arts provides oral cancer screenings as part of regular check-ups, or at the request of the patient.