4 reasons to get an oral cancer screening

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer affects over 40,000 patients a year. Oral Cancer may involve any part of the mouth (soft tissue of the oral cavity, tongue, cheeks, tonsils, throat, or any other part of the mouth). Though it may affect anyone, risk factors that increase one’s likelihood of oral cancer include: smoking, use of chewing tobacco products, alcohol use, and human papilloma virus (HPV). Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men and increases with age especially after age 40 years or more. With a five-year survival rate as low as 60%, oral cancer is scary. Protect yourself by getting checked for the disease today. At Smile Studios, we perform oral cancer screening as a part of your semi-annual visits. With every visit,we look for cancer within 8 areas of the mouth.

Here are the TOP 4 REASONS WHY ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS ARE IMPORTANT:

1. It’s easy.
   Just ask your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer during your regular dental exam.
2. It can save your life.
   Oral cancer is a devastating disease — but you can boost your chances of survival by at least 20 percentage points when the disease is caught early. Data shows that if oral cancer is caught early, it can have an 80-90% survival rate. Unfortunately, it has a high death rate if caught in the later stages
3. It’s inexpensive.
   When an oral cancer exam is incorporated into your regular exam, there’s no extra expense unless follow-up procedures are needed. Preventive services which include your semi-annual cleaning are covered by most insurances.
4. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
   Given most insurances cover your preventive services, isn’t it better to be sure you are not developing a dangerous condition, and promoting good oral health?

How is Oral Cancer Detected?

Routine dental screenings are the most effective way to detect oral cancer. Our dental specialists evaluateall areas of your mouth to screen for anything abnormal in the oral cavity. Occasionally, you may notice symptoms on your own. These include lumps, or non-healing lesions (such as ulcers or red and white patches) in the mouth. These do not necessarily have to be painful. Occasionally, the lesions may grow and become painful. We strongly urge you to make an appointment at our office to discuss any lesions or lumps that you may be concerned about.

How Can You Prevent Oral Cancer?

The best thing you can do is avoid all tobacco products and minimize alcohol consumption. We recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise, and good oral hygiene (brushing twice a day and flossing once a day) as well as scheduling semi-annual dental cleanings and exams.

Please make an appointment for your regular comprehensive semi-annual exam by calling (425) 584-3242, or click below to schedule online. If you have any lesion or lump in your mouth that concerns you, we urge you to make an urgent consultation. click here book now.