While most individuals who attend their routine dental examinations do so in order to identify concerns such as cavities or toothaches, keep in mind that your checkup is more than just a cavity hunt. In fact, your dentist will examine your smile for a number of concerns that all contribute to the status of your oral health. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist will look at what really goes on during your checkup, specifically, how an oral cancer screening is performed and can save your life.

Routine Preventive Care

Oral cancer is one of the concerns that your dentist will check for during your routine examination. It affects nearly 300,000 people per year, and roughly half of those lose their lives to the battle. For these reasons, it is not a concern to be taken lightly. While it can affect anyone at any age – from the elderly to small children and everyone in-between – certain factors put individuals more at risk for developing it. For example, use of tobacco and alcohol alone increase your risk of oral cancer development by 15 times. Other risk factors can include HPV, chewing Paan, and even sun exposure to the lower lip. Indeed, if you fall into any of these categories and suspect there may be a concern, you should contact your dentist and schedule a screening.

What to Look for

Early warning signs of oral cancer development include a painless white patch on either the throat, tongue, or lower lip. If left untreated, this white patch can continue to grow and thicken, developing red spots, rough patches, ulcers, and will become increasingly more painful as the situation develops. Not only this, but seeking help when it is too late or too far developed can ultimately even cost you your life.

Because the threat that cancer holds is so large, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your next dental examination. Your dentist will begin by carefully but thoroughly checking the tongue, cheeks, throat, lips, and roof and floor of the mouth for any signs of abnormalities. These abnormalities can include white or red patches, rough patches, and even other identifiers such as lumps and more. From here, we will provide you the best steps to handle your situation, as well as explain thoroughly how we can help. For more information on this process, contact our team today.

Minor Discomfort, Major Concerns

Attending a dental visit is more than a hunt for a cavity: it is about taking care to identify any concerns that may pose a threat to your oral health. Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600 to learn more or schedule your appointment today.