Preventative care is an important part of keeping yourself healthy. Just as regular medical appointments keep you in the loop when it comes to caring for your body, so do regular dental checkups. An important aspect of your regular dental checkup is getting regular oral cancer screenings.
Certain aspects of your medical history, such as a history of tumors in your head or neck and certain strains of HPV, can increase your risk of oral cancer. Other habits, such as alcohol and tobacco use, are also contributing factors. While these factors increase your risk, it’s important to remember that even those without any of these factors can still contract this form of cancer. Regardless of your risk factors, getting a regular oral cancer screening is a simple and easy way to safeguard your health.
When it comes to cancer and many other ailments, getting treatment as soon as possible can improve your prognosis should an oral cancer screening come back positive. Even if you get screened regularly, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential warning signs of oral cancer. Some common symptoms include unexpected bleeding, sores, lumps, swelling, or discoloration in the mouth.
While an oral cancer screening may seem daunting or scary, it’s important to remember that screenings are an important aspect of taking care of your body. The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely a better care outcome is. Fortunately, these screenings can be done as part of your regular dental visits, and our office prides itself in utilizing the latest technology for quick and minimally invasive screenings. Contact us today to keep your oral health on track!