Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer is a serious health risk that many people are unaware of. In fact, oral cancer has been on the rise in recent years – and it's even more common than you might think! For example, cases of mouth cancer have increased by 30% since 1990. This means that more Americans are at risk for oral cavity disease each year. However, at Highridge Dental Care there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing this disease. What is oral cancer screening and why should you get one?Oral cancer screening is the practice of examining your mouth for signs of mouth cancer. It is important to get these screenings because early detection can save your life and make a big difference in treatment options. If you are over 40, it's recommended to have an exam every year or two. Younger people without risk factors may be able to wait until age 45 or 50 before getting screened annually. The best time to do this is at home when brushing teeth. Look for any abnormalities in your gums such as bumps, sores, or discolorations. If you do notice any, it is important to contact us right away. When having an oral cancer screening in our office, our dentist will perform an examination with visual inspection (during which they'll look for any changes) and palpation (during which they'll feel below the gum line). The doctor may also take biopsy samples during these visits that can test for oral cancer. How do you prepare for your screening?When you come in for an appointment, we will want to know what medications you are taking and any medical conditions you may have. We will ask if there is a history of cancer in the family. If so, we may recommend some additional tests before the oral screening procedure can be performed. The day of your visit, it's important that you do not eat anything since food particles might interfere with the equipment used during the exam; drinking water is fine but no other liquids should be consumed until after treatment has been completed. You should brush your teeth and use mouthwash before coming into our office because bacteria from gum disease could affect test results as well. Why you should let a professional do the cancer screeningDuring your regular dental exam and cleaning is a perfect time for us to do an oral cancer screening. We can look and feel for any abnormalities. X-rays and other tests allow us to see details you would not otherwise be able to see at home. Having oral cancer screenings is quick and simple, and an important part of your regular exam. Oral cancer screenings can make a difference in your overall health. Through regular dental hygiene at home, routine checkups with our dental office, and routine screenings, we can assit you in maintaining good oral hygiene throughout life. If you're ready to take the next step forward and schedule an appointment with us today, give us a call at (916) 909-8989. Our team at Highridge Dental Care is always happy to answer any questions you may have. |
 Phone(916) 909-8989 HoursMonday -Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm - By appointment |
