Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life

Tens of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with different types of oral cancer every year. Many of these types of oral cancer are treatable and have a high survival rate when caught early, but the problem is that, in a lot of cases, the cancer isn’t caught until it has metastasized and has started to spread throughout the body. The first place it often spreads to is the lymph nodes of the neck. A person’s chance of survival plummets when cancer starts to spread.
Luckily, if you get oral cancer screenings regularly, it can help catch cases early before they’ve spread. Your dentist is a great resource for learning more about oral cancer. They can talk to you more about your personal risk, what symptoms to watch out for, and preventative steps you can take to lower your risk. In addition, dentists know exactly what to look for, so they can spot potential warning signs during checkups.

How Do Dentists Screen for Oral Cancer?

Most dentists and medical professionals recommend that adults should get screened for oral cancer annually, though a person who is at-risk may need more frequent screenings. An oral cancer screening is a more in-depth examination than an average dental checkup, and the goal of these screenings is to identify mouth cancer as early as possible, giving the patient a greater chance of recovery.
When screening for oral cancer, your dentist may feel your head, face, mouth, and neck for any unusual bumps or lumps. They will also look for any discolored patches or sores in your mouth. Tell your dentist if you’ve had a persistent sore throat, ear pain, numbness, pain or soreness, or any unusual changes in your mouth. Your dentist may also ask about your personal habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol, as these can all increase your risk of oral cancer. It’s important that your dentist also knows about your family history of cancer.
If your dentist finds something that looks abnormal, they may recommend further testing. Dentists can use a special dye that abnormal cells absorb, so they can see any abnormal growth. After that, they may recommend a follow-up visit in a few weeks or a biopsy of the cells. 

Get Your Oral Cancer Screening at Brentwood Dental Spa

Preventative oral cancer screenings can save your life. If you’re looking for an oral cancer screening in Los Angeles and the surrounding area, Brentwood Dental Spa is the place to go. Our dentists have years of experience detecting oral cancer and can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ve taken steps to prevent oral cancer. Get trusted oral cancer screenings in Brentwood, CA from our expert staff.
Brentwood Dental Spa is glad to partner with you so it’s easier to understand and take an active role in your oral health. After all, the health of your mouth is important to the health of the rest of your body, so it’s important to get regular screenings and checkups.

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