Oral Cancer Screenings in Old Saybrook, CT
When we think about our oral health, we think about brushing, flossing, and getting regular checkups. While all these things are an important part of maintaining our oral health, an important part is often overlooked: screening for oral cancer. Oral cancer is something that many people never think about until it happens.
Even if you’re not at risk for oral cancer, getting a routine screening by our dentists here at Saybrook Family Dental Care will help protect you and detect any cancer that might show up early enough to be treated.
What Are Oral Cancer Screenings?
The general idea of an oral cancer screening is that a trained professional (our dentist) will look for any sores, lesions, or other abnormalities in your mouth. They may even take biopsies of any growths to have them checked for cancerous or precancerous cells.
Oral cancer screenings are important because they can help catch signs early and prevent them from progressing into more serious problems. Once the person has been diagnosed with oral cancer, it may be too late to do anything. There’s usually no cure for this disease once it progresses past certain stages where treatment becomes ineffective (such as stage four). Preventing its occurrence at all costs is always recommended.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
There is no general rule or guideline on who should be screened. Still, it is recommended that everyone be screened at least once a year. Anyone with a family history or at high risk for potentially developing oral cancer should be screened more often. Detection is key, and regular screening is the way to do it.
The best way for someone to find out if they might be at risk is by going through their medical records with their doctor. There are also some signs and symptoms to look out for, but the first step is always a consultation with your dentist to see if you have risk factors or other potential signs of oral cancer.
Contact Saybrook Family Dental Care to Schedule Your Screening Today!
Now that you know more about the importance of oral cancer screenings, we hope you’ll visit us at Saybrook Family Dental Care today!
More to Explore
An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless exam to check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth.
Everyone should get regular oral cancer screenings, especially those over 40, tobacco users, and heavy drinkers.
It is recommended to have an oral cancer screening at least once a year during your routine dental check-up.
The dentist examines your mouth, throat, and tongue for any abnormal sores, lumps, or changes in tissue.
Many dental insurance plans cover oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental exams. Check with your provider for details.
Common signs include persistent sores, lumps, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained mouth pain.
If an abnormality is detected, the dentist may recommend further tests or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy.
Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and get regular screenings.
