Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are So Important

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning to help prevent against common oral conditions like cavities and gum disease but did you also know that you should go to the dentist for oral cancer screenings as well?

What’s An Oral Cancer Screening?

The good news about oral cancer screenings is that they only take a minute. In fact, you’ve probably been getting them for years without ever knowing. During your exam, your dentist will look at your cheeks, tongue, gums, and roof of your mouth for any sores, growths, or abnormalities. Additionally, he will feel around your throat for any bumps.

Why Is It So Important?

If caught early on, oral cancer is 80-90% curable which is a staggeringly high number. So, the sooner that we catch it, the better. One of the scary things about oral cancer is that more often than not it isn’t caught early on which is why the death rates for patients with oral cancer is a high 45%.

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone should get screened for oral cancer but if you smoke, use any tobacco products (even vaping or hookah), or if you drink alcohol on a regular basis, then you should make sure that you are getting screened every six months. If you notice any weird sores, growths, or bumps in your mouth at any point (especially if they aren’t healing), don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.

Oral cancer can be extremely scary, but if you catch it early on, it can be treatable. Are you ready to schedule your oral cancer screening? Contact our Tampa office today and give us a call at (813) 734-7102.