Importance of Oral Cancer Exams for Early Detection
At Pearl Dental Care in Florence, KY, oral cancer screenings are part of our routine preventive care. These exams help detect early signs of cancer affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and other areas of the mouth.
During your visit, we’ll visually and physically examine your mouth for unusual lumps, lesions, or tissue changes. Since oral cancer often develops without symptoms, early detection through screening is key to successful treatment.
If it’s time for your dental checkup or you want to schedule a screening, contact Pearl Dental Care today. Early action can make all the difference.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can present a variety of symptoms, especially as it progresses. Being aware of the warning signs can help with early detection and timely treatment.
Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A sore, lump, or thickened area in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Unexplained mouth pain or persistent earache
- Red or white patches in the mouth, bleeding without a known cause, or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
- A noticeable bump on the gums
- Changes in how your teeth fit together, or difficulty chewing, biting, speaking, or swallowing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental exam at Pearl Dental Care in Florence, KY as soon as possible. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Keep in mind that oral cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. That’s why regular oral cancer screenings are a key part of preventive dental care.
Who Needs Routine Oral Cancer Screenings?
Routine oral cancer screenings are especially important for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing the disease. At Pearl Dental Care in Florence, KY, we recommend regular screenings for patients with the following risk factors:
- Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipes
- Frequent or prolonged sun exposure
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous diagnosis of oral cancer
Continued tobacco use significantly increases the risk of oral health problems, including oral cancer. For your overall health and well-being, quitting tobacco is strongly advised.
If you fall into any of the high-risk categories listed above, regular oral cancer screenings at Pearl Dental Care can help detect potential issues early—when treatment is most effective and outcomes are most favorable.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During your routine checkup at Pearl Dental Care in Florence, KY, your dentist will examine your mouth for early signs of oral cancer. This includes checking for red or white patches, persistent sores, and feeling your cheeks and neck for unusual lumps.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your mouth or throat, be sure to mention them during your visit.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Our team is trained to spot early warning signs of oral cancer. While a screening alone can’t confirm a diagnosis, we may recommend a biopsy for any areas of concern to ensure accurate results.
Keeping us informed of any changes in your health helps us provide the most effective care possible.