Q&A: Oral Cancer Screenings

If nobody has ever talked with you about oral cancer before, it’s probably not really the type of topic you’re itching to bring up. The good news is that while it may be a bit uncomfortable to discuss, it’s something that we can explain, help you avoid, and even detect well before any serious advancement has the chance to take place. Even better news? You don’t have to do anything special to protect your mouth. You just have to keep up with the professional dental checkups we suggest. Discover more!

Questions and Answers

Question: How does a dental checkup help me avoid oral cancer?

Answer: During your checkups, which we suggest you schedule two times each year without skipping a single visit, we will examine your smile. In addition to looking for damage, hygiene-related concerns, and functional problems, we will also screen you for oral cancer. Just come in and we will take care of the rest.

Question: I never really feel the urgency to come see you for a checkup when my smile seems perfectly healthy. Can you explain why I should come in even if I don’t see any symptoms of oral cancer?

Answer: As the disease begins, you probably won’t notice it. In fact, there’s something called “precancerous” changes, which are detectable through screenings (but not with your own eyes). When we find and begin treating the problem right away, it means stopping the problem and clearing is much easier to accomplish.

Question: Is it mostly important that I schedule care for myself and any other adults in the house? Or, should I be scheduling dental checkups for my entire family?

Answer: Every single person of the age of one and older should be coming in every six months for care. It’s simple to remember!