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When you visit Christiansen Dental, you may notice that your regular dental checkup includes more than just cleaning your teeth. Among the critical preventive services we provide is an oral cancer screening—a quick, painless examination that can make a life-saving difference. But what exactly is an oral cancer screening, and why is it important?
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a procedure where your dentist examines your mouth, throat, tongue, and surrounding tissues for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth or throat, and early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes. Our screenings include a visual exam and palpation of the soft tissues, looking for abnormalities like lumps, red or white patches, and sores that don't heal.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer can be aggressive, and symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral cancers are most treatable when caught early, with survival rates as high as 84% when diagnosed at the earliest stage. This makes regular screenings essential, especially for individuals with risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, HPV, or a family history of cancer.
Who Should Get Screened?
The ADA recommends that all adults receive an oral cancer screening as part of their routine dental visits, especially those over 40 and individuals with lifestyle or genetic risk factors. At Christiansen Dental, we include this screening in your regular checkups because prevention and early detection are key to maintaining not only oral health but overall health as well.
What Happens If Something Unusual Is Found?
If we find anything unusual during the screening, we may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy. It’s important to remember that not all irregularities are cancerous; many can be benign. However, addressing any potential issues early gives you the best chance for successful treatment if it does turn out to be serious.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
In addition to regular screenings, you can reduce your risk of oral cancer by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and protecting yourself from the sun, especially on your lips. By combining these preventive steps with regular screenings at Christiansen Dental, you’re taking proactive steps toward safeguarding your health.
Schedule Your Next Screening
If you’re due for a checkup or haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, consider making an appointment with Christiansen Dental. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your health. Remember, early detection is key.
