You do not have to be a smoker to get oral cancer. In fact, even as the smoking rate among U.S. adults has fallen in recent years, oral cancer rates are on the rise. According to a new report by the independent nonprofit FAIR Health, insurance claims for oral cancer jumped 61% in the U.S. from 2011 to 2015. Detecting oral cancer early on – before it has spread – is critical to overcoming the deadly disease. Did you know that your dentist checks for the warning signs of oral cancer during every routine dental checkup? April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so there is no better time than now to learn about the importance of visiting the dentist regularly for an oral cancer screening in Greenfield.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer that occurs in the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, tonsils, esophagus and middle of the throat. According to the National Institutes of Health, oral cancers are the sixth most common cancers in the world. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red or white dots inside the mouth
- The sensation of something stuck in the throat
- Persistent, unexplained mouth pain
- Loose teeth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Voice changes
- Ear pain without any loss of hearing
Oral Cancer Screening: What to Expect
Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless and are included as part of every routine dental checkup. To look for early signs of oral cancer, your dentist will:
- Visually examine your lips, gums, tongue, insides of your cheeks and the back of your throat for signs of oral cancer
- Touch and inspect your lymph nodes and check for unusual bumps and lumps on your neck, face and head
- Ask questions about your smoking and drinking habits, which are risk factors of oral cancer
- Ask questions to help identify nonvisible symptoms of oral cancer, such as a sore throat
Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening?
Detecting oral cancer in the beginning stages is critical to successfully treating the disease. Indeed, according to the Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed early with oral cancer is 75%. For patients diagnosed at a later stage, the survival rate drops to only 20%.
This is one major reason that the American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist every six months for a routine dental checkup and oral cancer screening. Regularly seeing a dental professional is the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and catch any serious diseases or conditions – including oral cancer – before they can develop and worsen.
Preventive care is key to maintaining a healthy mouth and body. Talk to a dentist in Greenfield today about your next oral cancer screening and routine dental checkup.
About the Practice
With three experienced dentists on staff, the team at BGH Dental offers a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages. Their excellence and dedication to patient-centered care were recognized with a Best of Greenfield Award in 2017. For more information on preventive dentistry and oral cancer screenings, visit the BGH Dental website or call 413-772-0842.