We have all heard of the word cancer and how it has affected several lives. Some win over it while others lose. Just like we have cancer affecting other parts of the body, you can also have cancer affecting your oral health. It is called oral cancer. Studies have shown that oral cancer affects over 50,000 people in the world. Although this is considered low compared to other types of cancer, it is still very dangerous and can be life-threatening. This cancer may involve any part of the mouth either the oral cavity, the tongue, cheeks, tonsils, throat, or any part of the mouth.
This type of cancer may affect anyone but those at the highest risk include smoking, excess intake of alcohol, consumption of tobacco contained products, or underlying health problems like human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cancer occurs twice as often in men and can increase with age. People who are above 40 years or more are majorly affected.
About 60% who get affected with oral cancer lose their lives in the process, so it is a serious illness. You can avoid this by checking up on yourself today. At Smile 360 dental clinic, we perform oral screening and ensure that there are no signs whatsoever with oral cancer.
Why Is Oral Screening Done?
The major goal of having an oral screening test is to detect oral cancer early. When detected early, it can be defeated. People who have certain habits should not neglect taking an oral screening procedure.
Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:
- Tobacco intake of any type
- Excess alcohol use
- Oral cancer history
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
How You Prepare For An Oral Screening Test.
Don’t panic, the oral screening process is not a big deal. It doesn’t require any special preparation. It can be performed while you go for your dental visit. During your prepping stage, the dentist would ask you all the questions about your past history as well as habits. The dentist would then look into your mouth to look for anomalies like red or white patches, or mouth sores. Using the right protective wear, the dentist also looks for lumps, checks your throat, and also neck lumps. In our clinic, we would use a special test in addition to the oral exam to screen it. This special edition test would include:
- Using Oral Cancer Screening Dye.
- Oral Cancer Screening Light
Once your results are out, if the dentist discovers any sign of mouth cancer, your dentist would recommend a follow-up visit and a biopsy procedure.
4 Reasons To Get An Oral Cancer Screening.
- It is quite easy.
Aforementioned, you don’t need to stress. It is quite an easy process and can be done during the regular dental examination.
- It can save your life.
It is a devastating disease, you can boost your survival chances when the disease is detected in the early stage.
- It is not expensive
When the oral examination is incorporated during your dental examination there are no extra expenses, it joins in your procedure. However, if this type of cancer is detected, you would be required to carry out other tests that may incur extra charges.
- It is better safe than sorry.
We always say that dentistry is not expensive but neglect is. Do not neglect your oral health, there are certain connections to your oral hygiene in general.
How Can You Prevent Oral Cancer?
To prevent it, ensure that you prioritize your oral hygiene. Avoid certain habits that would influence your oral health negatively. Ensure that you brush and floss daily with the right toothbrushes and toothpaste as well as never miss out on any dental check-up.
Please make an appointment for your regular dental check-up by clicking here. If you notice any form of an anomaly in your mouth that has taken your peace, we advise that you make an urgent consultation and book an appointment now.
