One of the last things you probably want to speak with us about is cancer. Rest assured, many patients simply avoid scheduling appointments or asking about this topic because it comes with a lot of concern. However, we always encourage patients to take a proactive approach by feeling comfortable asking questions. The most important thing for you to remember is that the earlier we detect oral cancer, the better our chances of treating you successfully. By learning more about what to expect and what you need to do, you will feel much more comfortable regarding prevention and the health of your smile.

How Does A Checkup Help?

During a dental checkup, we will provide you with an oral cancer screening. This is a quick, comfortable process that will allow us to detect changes in the lining of your mouth. Fortunately, we can often detect changes long before you can detect them on your own. You should recognize that by the time you notice a symptom, the disease has often had ample time to progress. Catch the problem the moment it shows up and treatment success rates increase.

Common Oral Cancer Symptoms

Let’s say you haven’t had a checkup in a while. Or, perhaps you have been visiting us but something suddenly changes within your mouth. Become familiar with the following oral cancer symptoms, so you do not feel completely ill informed if a bump or abnormality occurs:

• Your teeth feel loose
• Your tongue or teeth hurt
• You have a lump or bump in your mouth
• You have a sore that persists rather than healing
• You notice red- or white-hued splotches or patches in your mouth

Call Us Between Visits If Necessary

Not sure what’s happening in your mouth but it definitely feels different? Did you feel a lump in your mouth or notice a sore? Perhaps there’s nothing visible that you can identify or explain but something doesn’t seem normal. Whatever the case, we always encourage you to call and schedule an appointment, so we can examine your oral cavity and provide you with a definitive answer.

ABOUT YOUR CONROE, TX DENTIST:

The Dental Centre of Conroe, John M Richards DDS delivers distinctive cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentistry for residents of Conroe, Houston, The Woodlands, Montgomery, Willis, Magnolia, Huntsville, and the neighboring communities. For more information about our services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us by calling (936) 441-4600.