Protect Your Smile with Oral Cancer Screenings
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we urge you to schedule an oral cancer screening today. If you haven't yet taken this important step, now is the time. Oral cancer is often overlooked, with few awareness campaigns or support events dedicated to its treatment. However, it claims one life every day in the U.S. The high mortality rate is largely due to people not seeking treatment until the cancer has progressed. As with all cancers, early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment. The earlier you identify potential risks or signs, the better your chances of overcoming it.
Is it common to have an oral cancer screening?
Unfortunately, no. Most people never have an oral cancer screening, and this is why the cancer is not detected at an early stage. At our Brooklyn, NY dental practice, we suggest that you visit us for a screening right away if you have never received one. Otherwise, you can generally have this done bi-annually.
What does an oral cancer screening entail?
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we will look for signs of abnormal tissue. Typically, we will see visible symptoms like red and white bumps, hard lumps, rough patches, or changes in the position of your teeth. Much of the screening is done visually. However, we will also feel your cheeks and the inside of your mouth while wearing gloves. This is to identify whether or not you have any strange or hard lumps within this tissue. Remember, oral cancer can impact all areas of the mouth, so the examination must be thorough. Since technology is constantly improving, we may use other testing resources when you come in and will be happy to discuss the process with you when you visit our dental office. We guarantee that the test is gentle and that you should feel comfortable during it.
How frequently should I have an oral cancer screening?
We recommend scheduling your first exam at our Brooklyn, NY office. Based on your risk factors and our findings, we'll determine how often you should have an examination. For high-risk patients, we may recommend annual screenings.
Who is susceptible to getting oral cancer?
A common misconception is that oral cancer only affects older men. While men once had a 10:1 ratio of oral cancer compared to women, this gap has narrowed over time. As men's and women's habits have become more similar, with increased alcohol consumption and smoking among women, the ratio is now closer to 2:1. Additionally, recent research has shown that certain strains of the HPV virus can also cause oral cancer, changing our understanding of who is at risk. Since HPV can be contracted as early as the teenage years, both men and women, including teens and seniors, are susceptible to this disease. We recommend that all adults undergo oral cancer screenings, particularly those who smoke, drink alcohol, or are aware they have the HPV virus.
Do you treat oral cancer?
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we don’t treat oral cancer, but we help detect it early. Early detection is crucial when it comes to cancer—it can literally save your life. As we are most familiar with the appearance of your mouth, we are trained to spot any abnormalities. If we notice signs that may indicate pre-cancer or cancer, we may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample for further testing. In some cases, we may refer you to an oncologist in the Brooklyn area for additional tests and to discuss treatment options.
When to call us:
You can play a key role in detecting oral cancer early. We recommend taking a few seconds after brushing your teeth to check your mouth. Simply run your tongue along your cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. If you feel any rough patches, lumps, or bumps, make a note of it. Check again a few days later. If the spots were caused by illness or eating something abrasive, they should disappear after a few days. If they don't, it’s important to call our office for an oral cancer screening and examination. Another warning sign to watch for is teeth that shift without any obvious cause. If your teeth are moving out of place, it could be due to something pushing them—sometimes, that something is cancer.
How can I prevent oral cancer?
The most effective way to reduce your risk of oral cancer is to stop using smokeless tobacco products, as they are the leading historical risk factor. While smokeless tobacco is less harmful to your lungs than cigarettes, it can increase your risk of oral cancer by up to 60 times! It's also important to quit smoking all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. While moderate drinking may not pose significant risk, regular or heavy drinking increases your chances of developing oral cancer. Additionally, limit sun exposure and protect your skin from sunburns. Regarding the HPV virus, consult your primary care doctor to see if you're a candidate for the vaccine, and consider getting tested to determine if you’ve already been exposed to the virus.