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Oral cancer is more common than you might believe, and oral cancer screening is an essential part of overall health and wellness. For residents of San Antonio, Texas, Kathleen Torres, DDS, Marii Malagayo, DDS, and the team at Reality Bites Dental offer professional oral cancer screenings during routine dental exams. If you need to schedule an oral cancer screening or a routine dental exam, call Reality Bites Dental or request an appointment online today.
Oral Cancer Screening Q & A
Why is oral cancer screening so important?
Cancer can develop in many tissues throughout the human body and can sometimes spread very quickly. Cancer creates abnormal tissue growth and other health problems.
Your mouth is no exception, and oral cancer can develop in several different areas, including your:
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Roof of the mouth
- Floor of the mouth
- Lips
- Gums
Because you can’t easily see these areas of your body, oral cancer can sometimes reach a serious stage before it causes noticeable symptoms. When symptoms are present, they might include mouth sores, pain, loose teeth, or difficulty swallowing.
Am I at risk for oral cancer?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, even children who have no clear risk factors. However, certain things do increase your risk level over time.
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use (in any form)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Excessive sun exposure on your face
- Weakened immune system
- Heavy alcohol consumption
If any of these conditions apply to you, coming in for routine oral cancer screenings is essential. You can also reduce your risk of oral cancer by making lifestyle changes like using sun protection and replacing alcoholic beverages with healthier options.
If you’re a smoker, try to find a smoking cessation program that works for you. Quitting can vastly improve your oral health, including reducing your risk of oral cancer.
When should I come in for an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening is performed during your routine dental exams. In addition to a visual assessment of your soft tissues, Reality Bites Dental offers OralID®, a handheld, battery-operated oral cancer screening tool.
This device uses fluorescence technology to detect abnormal cells, even in the precancerous stages. Scanning your oral tissues takes just a moment and is a painless process. If your dentist detects areas of concern, you’ll discuss the next steps, which may include an oral biopsy to gather a small portion of tissue for more in-depth screening.
If you have additional questions about oral cancer screening or prevention, schedule a visit at Reality Bites Dental today. You can call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online at any time.
