Oral Cancer Screenings in Bellevue, WA
Protect Your Smile
During routine dental visits, your dentist is checking your smile for signs of cavities and gum disease as well as a variety of other dental issues, but did you know that they are also looking for signs of oral cancer? Regular dental visits are essential for finding and removing oral cancer before it spreads and worsens. To learn more or schedule your next visit with our team, please contact us!
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How often should you get an oral cancer screening?
We recommend that patients of all ages and dental backgrounds visit our office at least twice per year for routine dental checkups and cleanings. These appointments are important for many reasons, as professional dental cleanings help reduce the patient’s risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and dental exams allow our team to examine the health of the patient’s teeth, gums, and mouth as well as screen for oral cancer.
What is an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screenings consist of checking the patient’s tongue, inside of the cheeks, the bottom and top of the mouth, and the skin around the lips for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is not always easy for patients to detect themselves, but if you notice any red or white patches in your mouth, swollen lymph nodes, an unusual lump or growth, mouth pain, or you have difficulty swallowing, please bring this up to our team.
Is an oral cancer screening necessary?
Oral cancer is not entirely preventable, but it is highly curable when it is diagnosed and treated early. A patient’s risk of developing oral cancer can also be reduced if they restrict or eliminate their intake of alcohol, reduce or quit smoking, and reduce the amount of time they spend in the sun. Men and patients who are over 50 are more likely to develop oral cancer, so if you fall into these categories, routine oral cancer screenings are especially important.
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