7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Early Detection is Crucial for Beating Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is quickly becoming one of the most prevalent forms of cancer today, but it doesn’t receive much attention compared to breast and lung cancer, and that’s a major part of the problem. Because few people realize that oral cancer is a risk, they often don’t get diagnosed until it’s past the early stages, which makes it much more dangerous. We at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale want to stop oral cancer in its tracks by diagnosing it early, and that’s where oral cancer screenings come in.
What is Oral Cancer Screening
One of the best things about oral cancer screening is that it’s so quick and easy that we can do it during your regular cleaning appointments at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale. The screening mainly consists of Dr. Brittain checking the tissues of your mouth for any irregularities, such as unusual textures or white or red spots. Everyone should be screened for oral cancer regularly, but it’s particularly important for those with risk factors such as smoking, tobacco use, previous history of oral cancer, alcohol use, and age.
Signs And Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop in many areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Because the early signs are often painless and easy to overlook, many patients do not notice them without a professional evaluation.
Common warning signs to be aware of include:
- Persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, even if they are not causing significant pain
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth that appear without an obvious cause
- Lumps, thickening, or rough spots on the lips, gums, or inside of the cheek
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue that develops without explanation
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
- Numbness or tenderness in the mouth, lips, or tongue that does not resolve on its own
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth that occurs without injury or irritation
Schedule Your Next Appointment at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale Today
Oral cancer screenings have been shown to increase the survival rate to 80 percent and better, which is why it’s so important to have this simple test done. Call us at 480-719-6994 or email us to schedule your dental exam, and Dr. Brittain will be able to screen you for oral cancer at the same time he is making sure you’re staying cavity-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral cancer screening, and why is it important?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless exam where a dentist checks your mouth, tongue, gums, and throat for early signs of cancer or abnormal tissue changes.How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Most dentists recommend annual screenings during routine checkups, especially for adults over 40 or those with higher risk factors like tobacco or alcohol use.Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No, the screening is completely painless and non-invasive. It usually takes only a few minutes during a routine dental visit.Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
People who use tobacco, engage in heavy alcohol consumption, have HPV infection, and have prolonged sun exposure to the lips, as well as a family history of cancer.Can oral cancer be detected early through dental visits?
Yes, regular dental checkups are among the most effective ways to detect oral cancer early, when it is most treatable.Why is early detection of oral cancer important?
Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates and survival outcomes, making routine screenings a critical part of preventive dental care.