Having regular checkups with our dentist is critical for maintaining your gum and dental health. However, another important aspect of your regular dental checkup is an oral cancer screening — this screening will examine your mouth and gum tissues for any lesions, lumps, or unusual changes. Our dentist in Wicker Park explains more below.
The goal of oral cancer screenings is to detect and catch any abnormalities such as lumps or lesions when they are smaller and easier to treat. The earlier the disease is detected, the better the treatment outcome will be.
While there is a genetic component to developing this disease, there are some risk factors for developing oral cancer, including:
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s even more critical that you have a regular exam to check for early signs and symptoms. Additionally, if you notice any of the below symptoms, you should make an appointment immediately to be evaluated:
Our dentist will examine your face, neck, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and your throat for signs of oral cancer. They may put a finger in your mouth and a finger under your chin to feel between these tissues. If there are any abnormalities, we will advise you on what to do and refer you to your doctor for further treatment.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to dentistry, feel free to contact Dente Complete Dentistry, with a convenient dental office in Wicker Park by calling 773.295.0562 or by clicking here.