Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Each day, 132 people in the US are diagnosed with oral cancer. While risk factors like smoking and tobacco use increase your chances, oral cancer can affect anyone, with a growing population of those in good health being affected. Dentists use oral cancer screenings to catch 84% of oral cancers early on, allowing for a much higher likelihood of a full recovery. Keep reading to learn about the importance of oral cancer screenings during this month of awareness.
How Often Should I Receive an Oral Cancer Screening?
Your dentist provides oral cancer screenings during routine checkups. They will check for cancer once a year, which means they will incorporate this screening into your checkup every other appointment. Your dentist screens this frequently to give you a better chance at early detection. Almost 100% of patients whose cancer is detected early on have a full recovery, making these checks more important to your health than you may think.
What Occurs During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Your oral cancer screening consists of 2 parts: a visual and physical exam. During the visual exam, your dentist will look at your mouth, cheeks, gums, tongue, face, throat, neck, and head for symptoms like:
- Sores on your lips or mouth that don’t heal
- A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
- Loose teeth
- A growth or lump inside of your mouth
- Pain in your mouth
- Pain in your ears
- Difficulty swallowing
After the visual exam, your dentist will physically check for any lumps or bumps that may tip off cancer. These tend to show up around the lymph nodes near your jawbone. This potentially lifesaving screening only takes a few minutes to conduct, making it well worth your time.
How Common is Oral Cancer?
Each year 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. Tobacco use, family history, and prolonged exposure to sun are all risk factors, but a growing population of those with HPV are being affected by oral cancer as well. Additionally, one person dies every hour of every day from oral cancer, which is why these regular screenings are so imperative.
When is the last time that you received an oral cancer screening? Contact your dentist today to receive this quick and easy examination because it could be the difference-maker in your oral and overall health.
About the Practice
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is experienced in detecting oral cancer in Denton before it becomes more serious. He currently practice at Prime Dentistry, and they can be reached through their website or by phone at (940) 514-0333 for any questions.
