Early detection is an important part of protecting your oral health. At Summit Dental Excellence, we provide oral cancer screenings in Oconomowoc, WI as part of comprehensive dental care. These screenings are designed to identify unusual changes or abnormalities in the mouth, throat, head, and neck that may require further evaluation.
Oral cancer can develop in several areas of the mouth and throat, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, tonsils, and throat. While certain factors can increase your risk, oral cancer can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. Routine dental examinations give your dentist an opportunity to identify concerning changes as early as possible.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is typically quick and can be performed as part of your regular dental examination. During the screening, your dentist will examine your mouth and surrounding tissues for abnormalities, including unusual sores, lumps, discoloration, swelling, or other changes.
Your dentist may also examine areas of your head and neck for signs that may warrant additional evaluation. If an area appears suspicious, that does not necessarily mean it is cancer. Your dentist may recommend additional testing or refer you to an appropriate specialist for further evaluation and, when necessary, a biopsy.
Because many oral health changes may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages, regular dental visits are an important part of maintaining your oral health and identifying potential problems.
Signs & Symptoms
- Red or white lesions on mouth or lip
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Sore, lump or pain that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth – seems to be for no reason
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Swelling and/or numbness in the mouth
Risk Factors
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Combined use of Tobacco & Alcohol
- HPV 16 Positive
- Poor Diet
Why Regular Screenings Matter
Regular oral cancer screenings are an important component of preventive dental care. Your dentist is in a unique position to examine your mouth regularly and identify changes that you may not notice yourself.
Risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancers can include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, certain types of HPV infection, sun exposure for lip cancer, and other individual factors. However, oral cancer can occur in people without these risk factors as well.
Making an oral cancer screening part of your regular dental visits is a simple way to stay proactive about your health.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Oconomowoc
At Summit Dental Excellence, we believe preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your long-term oral health. If you’re due for a dental examination or have noticed an unusual change in your mouth, our Oconomowoc dental team can evaluate your concerns and recommend the appropriate next steps.
