Stay Safe with Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we encourage you to schedule an oral cancer screening today. Oral cancer often goes unnoticed, and unfortunately, it claims one life every day in the U.S. The high mortality rate is largely due to individuals not seeking treatment until the cancer has advanced. Early detection and intervention are vital for successful treatment. The sooner potential risks or signs are identified, the better the chances of overcoming it.
Is it common to have an oral cancer screening?
Unfortunately, oral cancer screenings are not commonly performed, which is why the cancer is often not detected in its early stages. At our Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry dental practice, we recommend scheduling a screening as soon as possible if you have never had one. For those who have already been screened, we generally suggest bi-annual screenings moving forward.
What does an oral cancer screening entail?
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we will carefully examine your mouth for signs of abnormal tissue. Common symptoms we look for include red or white bumps, hard lumps, rough patches, or any changes in the position of your teeth. The majority of the screening is done visually, but we will also gently feel your cheeks and the inside of your mouth while wearing gloves to check for any unusual or hard lumps. Oral cancer can affect all areas of the mouth, so the examination will be thorough. As technology continues to improve, we may use additional testing methods and will discuss the process with you during your visit. Rest assured, the screening is gentle, and we will ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
How frequently should I have an oral cancer screening?
We recommend scheduling your first exam at our Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY office. Based on your risk factors and the results of the exam, we'll advise how frequently you should have screenings. For patients at higher risk, we may recommend annual check-ups.
Who is susceptible to getting oral cancer?
A common misconception is that oral cancer only affects older men. While men once had a 10:1 ratio of oral cancer compared to women, this gap has narrowed in recent years. As men’s and women’s habits have become more alike, with increased alcohol consumption and smoking among women, the ratio is now closer to 2:1. Additionally, recent studies have shown that certain strains of the HPV virus can cause oral cancer, shifting our understanding of who is at risk. Since HPV can be contracted as early as the teenage years, both men and women, including teens and seniors, are vulnerable to this disease. We recommend all adults undergo oral cancer screenings, especially those who smoke, drink alcohol, or have been exposed to the HPV virus.
Do you treat oral cancer?
At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we don't treat oral cancer, but we are committed to detecting it early. Early detection is crucial in cancer treatment—it can literally save your life. As we are familiar with the appearance of your mouth, we are trained to recognize any abnormalities. If we observe signs that may indicate pre-cancer or cancer, we may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample for further analysis. If needed, we may refer you to an oncologist in the Brooklyn area for additional testing and to discuss treatment options.
When to call us:
You play a crucial role in detecting oral cancer early. We recommend checking your mouth for any abnormalities after brushing your teeth. Simply run your tongue along your cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. If you notice any rough patches, lumps, or bumps, make a note of them. Check again in a few days. If the spots are due to illness or something abrasive, they should disappear within a few days. If not, it’s important to call our office for an oral cancer screening and examination. Another warning sign is teeth that shift without an obvious cause. If your teeth are moving out of place, it could be due to something pushing them—sometimes, that something is cancer.
How can I prevent oral cancer?
The most effective way to lower your risk of oral cancer is to quit using smokeless tobacco products, which are a significant historical risk factor. While smokeless tobacco is less harmful to your lungs than cigarettes, it can increase your risk of oral cancer by up to 60 times! It's also crucial to stop smoking all tobacco products and reduce alcohol consumption. While moderate drinking may not greatly raise your risk, regular or heavy drinking can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Additionally, limit sun exposure and protect your skin from sunburns. For the HPV virus, speak with your primary care doctor to see if you qualify for the vaccine and consider getting tested to check if you've already been exposed to the virus.