Your Dentist in Boonville on Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Very Important

Oral cancer — if you are like most people, it’s probably not something you think about too often. You probably don’t realize, then, that this disease is estimated to kill one American per hour. Or that close to 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2018 alone. Are you listening now? Your dentist in Boonville wants to remind you that adults of all ages should receive an oral cancer screen at least annually. Getting one this year could save your life!

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is cancer that affects the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or hard/soft palate of the mouth. It has historically been closely tied to tobacco use, and it still is — but there is another risk factor that is threatening young and healthy patients more than ever. It’s HPV, or the human papillomavirus, which estimates say will affect close to 80% of sexually active people at some point in their lives. Young men are at an especially high risk of developing HPV-related oral cancer.

Due to this increase in oral cancer diagnoses in young patients, we recommend that everyone over the age of 18 should have an oral cancer screen at least annually performed alongside a checkup and cleaning. Early detection increases the 5-year survival rate after an oral cancer diagnosis.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Educating yourself on the warning signs of oral cancer can help to ensure that you receive a professional opinion as soon as possible in the event something suspicious or worrisome appears.

Some of the common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• A lesion that does not heal after several days
• A lump or bump in the soft oral tissue
• Rough or discolored patches of tissue
• Asymmetries in the face or mouth
• A change in the tone of voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• The sensation that something is caught in the throat
• Numbness

This is not a complete list — anytime you experience something that just doesn’t seem quite right, let your dentist or doctor know about it right away.

What to Expect in an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless exam that can be completed within minutes after your routine checkup and cleaning. Dr. Kelly will discuss your oral health with you and then examine your mouth and oral structures for the aforementioned warning signs of oral cancer. If something suspicious is located, we will partner with you to ensure you receive the follow-up treatment you need right away. Often, that means a biopsy.

Have you ever had an oral cancer screening? If the answer is no, or if you have had one but it has been a while, we encourage you to book this simple preventive exam this month. Early detection is crucial for oral cancer — so don’t delay!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Joseph T. Kelly is the dentist your friends and neighbors land on when they need a quality dentist in Boonville. If you’re searching the web for a “dentist near me,” we encourage you to learn more about the services offered at Great Impressions Dental — including oral cancer screenings — by calling 660-882-7522 today!