We all know how important an annual wellness checkup is. Likewise, an oral cancer screening also holds great importance. If you book an appointment for a dental checkup, you are reducing your risk of oral cancer. Not only this, you are also allowing the dentist to catch the signs early and prevent you from the consequences if the disease is left untreated.
To help you understand how important a dental checkup is for the early detection of oral cancer, here is some detailed information.
What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
An oral cancer is a tumor that may develop in your mouth and its distinct sites, such as the tongue, the gums, the lips, and the internal side of the cheek. Anyone who has oral cancer may present with the following signs:
- An ulcer or a sore that is noticeable for more than two weeks
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Loss of sensation or numbness in the mouth
- Inability to speak or swallow properly
- Loosening of the teeth without any reason
How Does A Dentist Detect Oral Cancer?
Dentists are not just a part of a healthcare professional team, but they are also generous heroes. They are the first line of defense, especially when they detect oral cancer.
It is difficult to differentiate between an ulcer and an oral cancer. However, dental experts are well trained to spot the difference, and for its confirmation, they run some diagnostic methods for investigation, such as:
- Visual oral inspection: Your dentist will examine and evaluate your mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, palate, and floor of the mouth to detect any visual abnormalities.
- Palpate the lesion: If any abnormality is present, the dentist will use their fingers to touch and feel the area. Palpation, or using fingers to touch the area, can help the dentist feel any mass (hard or soft).
- Using special equipment: Some dentists may require the use of advanced and specialized tools for early oral cancer detection that the naked eye may overlook.
- Lab investigations: If the dentist detects any unusual lesion or mass indicative of oral cancer, they will perform lab investigations through a biopsy. Biopsy involves removing a small portion of the cancerous tissue and sending it to the lab for further examination.
Even if there is no oral cancer, your regular oral checkup will allow your dentist to look for other problems like cavities, infections, or gum diseases that are often overlooked.
Why Is A Dental Checkup Important For Oral Cancer Diagnosis?
During your dental checkup, your dentist is the first one to detect and diagnose your oral cancer. The following reasons justify why dental checkups play an important role in the diagnosis of oral cancer at an early stage:
- A dental checkup can save a life: The earlier the dentist diagnoses the cancer during the checkup, the greater the rate of survival.
- Dentists know about every patient: Do you know that your dentist has a better understanding of your mouth than you? Your regular visits give your dentist a chance to see any changes occurring over time. A routine checkup helps them spot any unusual lesions in a timely manner.
The Final Message
We always advise patients to be vigilant regarding their dental checkups. Oral cancer is a fatal disease that needs immediate treatment. Even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid the risk factors, or have no ill habits, visiting your dentist for an oral wellness checkup remains the most important factor for oral cancer prevention.
At Lake Elsinore Dentistry, you will meet experts who are well-suited for your dental checkup and have the right training for oral cancer detection and diagnosis. Drop us a call at (951) 579-1010 to book your annual dental wellness checkup today.