What You Need To Know About Airdrie Oral Cancer Screening

Dental experts suggest that oral cancer screenings should be done on a regular basis. Early detection and treatment of dental cancer, on the other hand, has been shown to increase the chances of survival when compared to discovering the disease later on. Oral cancer screening is a procedure in which a dentist or doctor examines your mouth for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Oral cancer screening aims to detect mouth cancer at an early stage when there is a better chance of a cure. During a routine dental visit, dentists will examine your mouth to check for oral cancer.

What are the factors that increase the risk of having oral cancer?

• Tobacco use in any form, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
• Consuming a lot of alcohol.
• Oral cancer diagnosis in the past.
• Significant sun exposure history raises the risk of lip cancer.

What are the myths about oral cancer?

• Oral cancer is extremely uncommon – Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.
• I’m young, and I don’t need to be concerned about oral cancer – Although your risk of oral cancer rises after the age of 50, not all types of the disease are linked to age. Due to a link between cancer and sexually transmitted forms of the Human Papillomavirus, an increasing number of young people are developing the disease (HPV).
• Oral Cancer Only affects Tobacco Users – Although tobacco and nicotine use are major risk factors for oral cancer, you can get the disease even if you don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Even if you don’t smoke, drinking alcohol and being infected with HPV can raise your risk. Genetics may also play a role in the disease’s progression.
• There Isn’t Anything I Can Do to Prevent Oral Cancer – Stop smoking, avoid alcohol, and eat more vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts can reduce your risk of oral cancer. Limit sun exposure and practice safe sex to reduce your risk of contracting cancer-causing HPV strains.
• Oral cancer screening is limited to high-risk patients – Oral cancer screening is included in any comprehensive adult dental exam. A dentist looks for lumps, sores, or discoloration in your mouth, tongue, throat, and lymph nodes. This screening is painless and does not use radiation.
• Oral Cancer Symptoms Are Simple to Recognize – HPV-linked mouth and throat cancer can develop in hard-to-see areas like the tonsils, lymph nodes, and the base of the tongue. This emphasizes the importance of visiting the dentist regularly. Early detection and treatment can help stop cancer from spreading and lengthen your life expectancy.

How to prepare for oral cancer screening?

There is no need to prepare for an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening is usually done as part of a routine dental visit.

What are the benefits of oral cancer screening?

• Oral cancer screening is a simple procedure. It’s so simple that you can do it while getting your teeth cleaned and examined. All your dentist has to do is look for signs of oral cancer on your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth. He may even examine the throat on occasion.
• If oral cancer is detected early on in its progression, it is much easier to treat, and your chances of survival improve dramatically. This is why screenings are so crucial. It is more likely to catch cancer early if you get screened regularly.

If you are looking for an affordable dentist in Airdrie, Sierra Spring Dental is the place to be! Let us help you with your dental needs by providing quality dental treatments. Call us today at (403) 945-4555 to book an appointment. We would be happy to accommodate you!