Oral Cancer: Should You Get a Screening?

Oral cancer is treatable if caught early enough. Your dentist is capable of spotting signs of oral cancer during special screenings, and may even be able to spot symptoms of the disease during a regular oral examination as well.

Should you get a specialized screening for oral cancer? This is something you should discuss with your dentist during your routine cleaning, however, you may also be more at risk for the disease than other people. Here are signs you may carry a higher risk of getting oral cancer and should get an oral cancer screening.

Oral cancer can be genetic. If your parents or grandparents have had oral cancer — especially if they don't use tobacco — then you may be at risk for the disease as well.

Smokers and those who use chewing tobacco are more likely to get oral cancer than those who do not smoke or use tobacco or never have. If you are a former or current tobacco user, let your dentist know how often you use tobacco — or how often you used to and how long ago you quit — so you can get screened for oral cancer as part of your regular dental appointments.

The ruling is out on whether vaping, which is a tobacco-free alternative to traditional smoking, causes oral cancer. Let your dentist know if you vape, to see if this habit is negatively affecting your oral health.

Older individuals are more likely to get oral cancer than younger people, even if they have never used tobacco before. As you age, your dentist will customize your dental exams to meet your current oral health needs, including adding oral screening to your regular exams or cleanings.

If you have any prolonged or worsening mouth sores, swelling in your gums, tongue, or inner cheek, experience pain or discomfort in your jaws or neck when eating or swallowing, or have white spots inside your mouth, let your dentist know right away. While not always the case, these symptoms can be signs of oral cancer and should be checked out.

Always continue receiving dental care as recommended by your dentist, even if your teeth look and feel healthy. At the office of Ronald A. Murphy, you'll receive quality dental care. To make an appointment, contact ustoday.