Oral Cancer Screening What You Need to Know

An oral cancer screening is your best defense.

November is oral cancer month. According to Dr. Jack Ringer from Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills, more than 40,000 people in the United Stated are diagnosed with oral cancer and of those diagnosed, 8,000 of them will pass away from the disease. Over the past 10 years, dental practitioners have seen an increase in oral cancer in people under the age of 30.

The sad thing is nine out of ten of those diagnosed with oral cancer could have prevented the disease. People who consume alcohol and tobacco products and those who follow a diet low in fruits and vegetables are in the high risk category for oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is important for people who smoke or drink.

Oral Cancer Goes Unnoticed

Because oral cancer is usually painless, showing little sign of development, it often goes undetected until it has spread. Many younger patients aren’t aware they have oral cancer until it has caused loss of function or chronic pain. However, when detected early, the rate of survival is much higher. In fact, an oral cancer screening improves your survival rate by up to eighty percent or more.

Oral Cancer Screening

According to Dr. Jack Ringer, past president and an Accredited Fellow with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, an oral cancer screening is usually performed during your regular dental checkup. Dr. Ringer will check your mouth and neck for lumps, discolorations, and any other abnormalities. If there are any changes to the tissue or something seems irregular, Dr. Ringer may suggest a biopsy.

The next time you schedule an appointment for a dental checkup with Dr. Ringer, be sure to ask for an oral cancer screening. This way your dentist in Orange County can check for signs before they become worse.

With regular oral cancer screenings, you are protecting yourself. If oral cancer is detected in the early stages, you have a better chance of survival.

Why an Oral Cancer Screening is Vital

According to Dr. Ringer, you should be adding an annual oral cancer screening to your healthy body to do list because:

1. It’s easy-Just ask your Anaheim Hills dentist to check for oral cancer signs at your next checkup.
2. It can save your life-With an oral cancer screening, you can boost your survival chances by 20 percent with early detection.
3. It’s Inexpensive-There is no extra charge when you incorporate a screening with your checkup. Just be sure and ask.
4. Better to Be Safe than Sorry-Even if your oral cancer screening comes up negative, wouldn’t you rather know for sure?

An oral cancer screening can save your life. Call or click for a comprehensive dental examination with Dental Cosmetics in Anaheim Hills, and don’t forget to ask about an oral cancer screening. Your life really could depend on it.

Call for a comprehensive dental examination with your dentist in Orange County today.