Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer affects nearly 35,000 Americans every year. The keys to surviving oral cancer are early detection and early treatment. This starts with a regular oral cancer screening – at least once every six months. An oral cancer screening takes just minutes, is pain-free, and can be performed during regular dental exams. If you are male, a regular oral cancer screening is especially critical: Oral cancer is more than twice as common in men as it is in women. Other people at high risk of oral cancer include people over the age of 60, tobacco smokers, and heavy drinkers.
Comprehensive Oral Cancer Exams at Maitland Dentistry
At Maitland Dentistry, we include oral cancer screenings as a vital part of every comprehensive dental checkup. Our team examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat for any early signs of concern or abnormalities. These screenings are quick, comfortable, and can be lifesaving when changes are detected early. By incorporating oral cancer detection into your regular dental visits, we help protect not just your smile but also your overall health, ensuring that any potential problems are identified and treated promptly.
What Happens During a Screening
Our oral cancer screenings are fast, painless, and performed during your routine dental visit.
- Visual Check: We examine the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any sores, patches, or unusual changes.
- Gentle Palpation: We feel for lumps, swelling, or thickened tissue.
- Advanced Technology: Velscope light technology helps us detect early abnormalities not visible to the naked eye.
The process takes only a few minutes but can make a big difference in your health.