Oral cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with some type of oral cancer each year, and close to 5,000 people die from this disease annually. Early detection is key to effective treatment, but unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer are not found until the disease has advanced, which reduces the chance of survival. That is why regular oral cancer screening is crucial. At Envision Dental, we offer oral cancer screening that can be included with your annual checkups to protect your wellness.

Picture of a girl holding her cheeks with hands

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the mouth, throat, or oral cavity. It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheek lining, floor or roof of the mouth, and throat. Common risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, anyone can develop oral cancer, even if they don’t have these risk factors.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Often, there are few, if any, symptoms of mouth, throat, or oral cancer. By the time the cancer is found, it has often spread to another area of the body. However, there are a few possible symptoms that can alert you to a possible problem. Sores in the mouth or lumps that do not go away in a few weeks should be examined. A chronic sore throat or trouble swallowing can also be symptoms. White or red spots on the mouth tissue are possible signs of oral cancer. However, many early symptoms are difficult to see with the naked eye and require specialized scanning to detect.

Why Regular Oral Cancer Screening is Important

Oral cancer screening during your dental checkups can be a life-saver. It is non-invasive and painless. Our dentist will carefully examine your oral tissues to check for any abnormal tissue. Using a special scanner, tissue variances can be detected that may be early signs of mouth cancer. If there are any concerns, you can be sent for a biopsy. When oral cancer is caught in the early stages, treatment can be very successful and significantly reduce the chance of spreading to other areas in the body.

Preventive Care To Protect Your Wellness

At Envision Dental, we care about your oral and overall health. We offer preventive care to protect your smile and wellness. This includes regular checkups and cleanings, which can help detect any early signs of oral cancer. By making oral cancer screening a part of your regular dental checkups, you can take an important step in protecting your health and well-being.

Take Charge Of Your Health Today

Your health is important to us at Envision Dental. If you have any concerns about oral cancer or if you have any symptoms, do not wait to make an appointment for a checkup. It is important to detect oral cancer as early as possible to increase the chances of successful treatment. Contact our dentist office in Marietta, GA, to schedule your next checkup and cleaning. Make sure to ask about scheduling an oral cancer screening during your visit. Don’t wait until it’s too late – take charge of your health today!