According to the , oral cancer is responsible for approximately 9,750 American deaths per year.
While this disease can be deadly, it’s treatable when caught early. Regular dental exams are essential for identifying signs of oral cancer. Here’s what our dentist wants you to know about oral cancer screenings.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of your regular dental exam and teeth cleaning. Dr. Busch-Abbate and the hygienist will use a variety of methods to assess whether any of the below oral cancer symptoms are present in your mouth. We will check for lumps, bumps, ulcerations, color, or texture changes in the oral cavity. We use a technology called to examine below the surface of your mouth tissue.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
- Bleeding gums
- Lumps or swelling in the mouth or neck
- White or red patches that do not heal
- Pain in the teeth, mouth, jaw, or neck
- Sores that do not heal
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
If you have any of these oral cancer symptoms, it’s important to call our dentist right away to make an appointment for an oral exam. Don’t brush off your symptoms or wait for them to go away on their own. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have any symptoms of oral cancer, it’s important to call Gentle Dentistry right away. Our Kalamazoo, MI, preventive dentist will thoroughly check your mouth for signs of the disease. Call Gentle Dentistry today at (269) 381-3890, or contact us online.