Oral cancer exams involve a simple and quick screening of the entire oral cavity. The mouth will be checked for white and red patches, ulcers, lumps, loose teeth, and your dental X-rays will be reviewed for abnormalities. Lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption are considered the primary risk factors for some forms of oral cancer. According to latest research, a definite link has been identified between the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cancers of the tongue, throat, soft palate, and tonsils affecting a wide range of age groups.

Hence, your regular oral exams become vital as they enable your dental provider to assess the early signs of cancer. At Wellness Centered Dentistry in Redmond, Washington, our primary focus is maintaining our patients’ dental health, and oral cancer screenings are part of our treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer 

The symptoms of oral cancers are quite challenging to detect due to their location, and they may become apparent only during the advanced stages. However, early detection is vital for a good outcome as it can save lives.

As a patient, you must schedule regular dental check-ups, especially if you notice any white or red spots, sores, ulcer, or lump in the neck or mouth that looks abnormal or do not heal. Other oral cancer indicators include numbness, pain or tenderness in your mouth, a hoarse throat, difficulty swallowing, or earache for more than two weeks.

Dental Exams Includes Oral Cancer Screening

At Wellness Centered Dentistry, our dental exams include a screening for oral cancer. It comprises a visual and concrete intra-oral and extra-oral examination, including neck palpation, assessment of the tonsils and back of the throat. If we notice any abnormal elements in your mouth, we refer you to an oral and maxillofacial specialist for further evaluation and a definite diagnosis so that the condition is promptly treated.

Prevention of Oral Cancers

• Prevention of oral cancers should include scheduling regular dental visits for routine oral screenings to detect early signs of cancers and at a curable stage.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important in the prevention of oral cancers. To support a healthy immune system and sustain whole-body wellness, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants is believed to be beneficial.
• Regardless of the gender, it may help to discuss with your dentist the possibility of vaccines as a possible preventive measure against HPV infection and HPV-related oral cancer.
• It will help if you quit smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption, and use daily mouth rinses to keep your mouth in a healthy state.
• Wearing a hat and daily application of sunscreens for the face, and lip balm for the lips, with an SPF of 15 plus, can help reduce your risk of sun exposure-related cancers of the face and lip areas.

To learn more about our oral cancer screenings, visit our office, Wellness Centered Dentistry, at 16150 NE 85th St #115, Redmond, WA 98052. You can also reach us at (425) 882-1354.