Most people don’t think of their regular dental examination as a cancer screening, but if you over 40 years old and you smoke, you shouldn’t postpone your bi-annual dental check-up.
At Waters Green Dental, your trusted dentist in Macclesfield, we firmly believe that oral cancer screening is an important part of the dental examination, since it can help diagnose pre-cancerous or cancerous signs in early stages of growth.
What does an oral cancer screening examination include?
A thorough oral cancer screening examination at Water Greens Dental includes more than examining your teeth and gums. Your dentist in Macclesfield will touch your mouth, tongue, neck and face looking for abnormalities such as lesions or bumps. If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them so that your dentist in Macclesfield can inspect your entire mouth in detail.
Who is at risk?
Oral cancer usually affects men over 40 who smoke (or use smokeless tobacco) and drink alcohol. However, in recent years studies have shown that even young people who don’t smoke can develop oral cancer due to HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cancers to various parts of the body, including the mouth. Your dentist in Macclesfield will recommend an oral cancer screening as part of your bi-annual dental check-up, even if you have none of the above symptoms.
Signs of oral cancer
If:
· you develop a sore in your mouth that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal
· your gums change colour
· you have lumps or bumps in your mouth or throat
· feel pain and tenderness in your mouth, lips or throat that doesn’t go away and is not related to a cold
· you have prolonged difficulty chewing or swallowing,
then it’s time to see your dentist in Macclesfield. While some of these symptoms may indicate other oral problems, they could also be indicative of oral cancer.
Don’t wait for symptoms to become painful
Having regular dental check-ups and cleanings will help with many dental problems. But your dentist in Macclesfield is also qualified to look for signs of oral cancer. That’s important enough for visiting them regularly.
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