Did you Know Your Dentist Can Check for Oral Cancer?

Cancer is difficult to wrap your head around. No matter where it’s found, when the doctor first utters the word it will make your heart drop.

Some cancers, like ovarian or pancreatic, are rarely found before they have progressed past a treatable stage. Oral cancer, however, can be screened for and can be treated when found early enough!

What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?

If you haven’t had your six-month appointment at Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry lately and you’ve noticed some changes in the soft tissues of your mouth, you need to schedule a checkup.

Oral cancer can often appear as small white or red lumps, bumps, or sores on your soft tissues. Unchecked, it easily spreads to other parts of your body. Like any other cancer, oral cancer can be life threatening.

How Does a Dentist Screen For Cancer?

At Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, oral cancer screening is a routine part of your six month checkup. After your cleaning and X-rays, our dentist will check for any abnormalities in the soft tissue of the mouth. Lesions, lumps, sores, or spots on the gums, cheeks, lips, and/or tongue may be a cause for concern.

The screening itself will not take very long, nor will it take any additional resources or machinery. As long as you’re coming in for your six month cleaning appointments, the oral cancer screening will help ensure your mouth is healthy.

Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry wants to help keep you and your family healthy for life. Call our office to schedule your regular cleaning and oral cancer screening every six months.