Attending your routine checkups and cleanings is a necessary part of your overall preventive dental routine. Not only do they help our team identify points of concern such as incorrect wisdom tooth development or rapid tooth decay, but they help keep your smile healthy and strong. Still, however, it is important to consider that your oral health is affected by much more than just your teeth, and as such, you must take strides to achieve a more thorough dental routine. In today’s blog, your Newport Beach, CA dentist explains why we conduct oral cancer screenings, and how you can schedule one on your next preventive visit.
Anyone Can Experience It
There is often a misconception that oral cancer is one of those concerns that only individuals who smoke cigarettes experience. Though it is true that individuals that use tobacco have a higher chance of experiencing oral cancer, it is also true that anyone of any age can be affected by it. Indeed, no person is immune from this phenomenon, and the sooner you identify it in the process, the better your chances are for treatment.
Oral cancer is characterized by cells that continue to grow in the oral tissues and do not stop. Further, it can develop in any area of the mouth, including on the tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, lips, the roof of the mouth, and the floor of the mouth.
A person can identify signs of this phenomenon, including rough red or white patches, alarmingly loose teeth, heightened sensitivity, and the presence of sores that do not seem to heal. To learn more about this process and the steps you can take to protect your health, give us a call today.
How the Process Works
You can schedule an oral cancer screening as part of your preventive checkup, or by itself. When you come in for your visit, our team will take care to carefully check each area of the oral cavity to ensure everything appears healthy and as it should be. Further, we can provide an oral biopsy to provide an in-depth check for issues occurring beneath the surface. This process consists of taking a small tissue sample and sending it to a lab to identify any potential diseases.
Additional Things to Know
Though there is not a cure for oral cancer, there are steps you can take to minimize risk. For starters, stopping the use of tobacco products and excessive drinking is a must, Further, reducing sun exposure to your lips is another important step to take when protecting all aspects of your oral health.
Schedule Your Appointment
To learn more about the importance of oral cancer screenings and your oral health, contact Balboa Dental Surgery in Newport Beach, CA by calling 949-630-0143 and schedule your next appointment with our team today.
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