The term cancer can be scary. But early detection really improves treatment and recovery options. This is why an oral cancer exam in Marietta becomes essential. Getting checked for oral cancer during your routine dental visit is a simple way to catch it in its first stages before it can become serious.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Exam?
An oral cancer exam is fast, pain-free, and often included in your dental check-up. This is typically what your dentist checks for:
- Visual inspection—inspecting your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for unusual spots, lumps, or swelling.
- Physical examination—gently palpating your jaw, throat, and lymph nodes for any lumps or tenderness.
- Oral tissue examination—for red or white patches, ulcers, or healing areas.
In general, this experience should take only a few minutes but provides peace of mind.
Why Should You Get an Oral Cancer Check-Up?
Oral cancer can be fatal if not detected early enough. Regular screenings are your opportunity to detect oral cancer when it is still small. Some other benefits include
- Early detection – Increases your odds of successful treatment.
- Reassurance—Contributes to the monitoring of any changing conditions in your mouth.
- Proactive care – Increases your awareness about your health risks, rather than waiting for symptoms of the disease to worsen.
What are Common Oral Cancer Warning Signs?
Understanding the symptoms can help you know when it is time to seek assistance. Here are some early signs:
- Mouth sores that don’t go away after two weeks
- White or red patches in your gums, tongue, or cheeks
- A rough patch, thickening, or lump in your mouth
- Unexplained prolonged sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw
If you begin to notice some of these symptoms, it is essential to book an oral cancer exam near you right away.
Who Needs an Oral Cancer Exam?
Everyone should receive an oral cancer exam; however, some people are more likely to receive an oral cancer diagnosis:
- Tobacco users—Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or vaping can all increase your risk of developing an oral cancer diagnosis.
- Alcohol drinkers—Those who drink alcohol regularly are more likely to face the risk of receiving an oral cancer diagnosis.
- People age 40+—The risk of an oral cancer diagnosis increases as you get older.
- Family History—If you have a family history of cancer, particularly oral cancer, you need to receive an exam early.
Your dentist in Marietta may remind you to complete exams at shorter intervals if you fall into any of the risk categories above.
How Often Should I Receive an Oral Cancer Exam?
Most dentists recommend an oral cancer screening at least once per year. Since most dentists do an oral cancer screening as a routine part of the dental visit, you may have received an oral cancer screening without even knowing it. If you are a higher-risk person, your dentist near you may recommend that you get an oral cancer exam every 6 months.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
The choices we make in life can affect our chances of developing oral cancer. You can prevent oral cancer by:
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Protecting your lips from extreme sun exposure.
- Keeping regular dental visits.
Protecting Your Smile with Kennestone Periodontics
Oral cancer is certainly not anything to ignore, but if you keep seeing your dentist regularly, you can keep it at bay. Taking proactive steps in your oral health gives you the confidence and peace of mind you deserve. At Kennestone Periodontics, we believe prevention is at the core of a healthy smile and a healthy life.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear! Call for an exam today, and a caring team in Marietta can assist you. Taking a moment for yourself could mean all the difference for your health and your life.