A Life-Saving Part of Your Dental Exam: Oral Cancer Screening
Your routine dental visit is about much more than just the health of your teeth; it's a critical opportunity to assess the overall health of your mouth. At Veda Family Dentistry, a thorough oral cancer screening is an essential and standard part of every adult dental exam. As your primary oral healthcare providers, we are your first line of defense in identifying the early signs of this serious disease. Early detection is the single most important factor in a successful outcome, and we are deeply committed to this life-saving preventive measure.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening & Why is it Vital?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and non-invasive examination of your entire mouth. It involves a visual and tactile assessment of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your throat.
The importance of this screening cannot be overstated. When oral cancer is detected and treated in its earliest stages, the survival rate is significantly higher. Because the initial signs are often subtle and painless, they can easily be missed without a professional examination. Your regular dental check-up provides the perfect opportunity for our trained eyes to spot any potential abnormalities.
What We Look For During Your Screening
During your exam, Dr. Priya or Dr. Moosavi will be looking for any signs that are out of the ordinary. It's important to share any concerns you may have with us as well. We are trained to identify:
Red or white patches (lesions) on the soft tissues of your mouth.
Sores or irritations that fail to heal or bleed easily.
Lumps, thick patches, or rough spots inside the mouth.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
Unexplained numbness or tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.
A feeling that something is constantly caught in the back of your throat.
Understanding Your Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain lifestyle factors are known to increase the risk significantly. These include:
Tobacco Use: This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and using smokeless tobacco products.
Heavy Alcohol Consumption: The risk is especially high when alcohol and tobacco use are combined.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV are a growing cause of cancers in the back of the throat.
Excessive Sun Exposure: This is a primary risk factor for cancer on the lips.
Crucially, a significant percentage of oral cancers are found in patients with no known risk factors. This is why regular screenings for every adult patient are a vital part of our standard of care.
Our Commitment to Your Complete Health
A Standard Part of Every Exam: An oral cancer screening isn't an optional add-on at our practice; it is a fundamental and non-negotiable part of every comprehensive adult dental exam.
A Thorough and Vigilant Approach: Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi are highly trained to recognize the subtle early signs of oral pathologies. They perform each screening with meticulous care and attention to detail.
A Focus on the Mouth-Body Connection: We are your partners in overall wellness. We understand that your oral health is a window to your systemic health, and we take that responsibility seriously.
A Compassionate, Educational Environment: If we find something that requires further investigation, we will discuss our findings with you clearly, calmly, and compassionately, and we will facilitate a prompt referral to the appropriate specialist.
Your Dental Visit Could Save Your Life.
The few minutes it takes to perform an oral cancer screening during your regular check-up are invaluable. Don't put off this essential health screening. Book Online in Minutes.
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