Do You Have Any of These Signs?
Roses are red, violets are blue, have we told you how much we care about you? Each time you visit us, we are working to make sure that your dental health is in excellent condition. One of the ways we do this occurs during your regular check-up and exam. Do you know what part of your exam can be an actual life saver?
You may not pay too much attention to the oral cancer screening part of your dental exam because it’s fairly quick and painless. Nonetheless, it is a very important part of the exam because treatments for oral cancer that’s diagnosed in the early stages has very high success rates. During your exam, we will check your lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of your cheeks, roof of the mouth, and under your tongue for the following signs:
- White or reddish patches in the mouth
- Lumps or sores in the mouth, throat or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
- Sores or ulcers that bleed and/or won’t heal
- Loose teeth
- Mouth or ear pain
If you notice any of these signs and they last for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to call our office for an appointment. The likelihood of men developing oral cancer is twice as high as it is for women, making it the eighth most common cancer among men. Heavy tobacco and alcohol use can also put you at greater risk.
Your dental and overall health is our #1 priority. We’ll do all we can to look out for your well-being. If you ever have any concerns or questions, please let us know at your next visit or feel free to call us. We look forward to hearing from you soon!