At Calcium Dental, our expert dentist in 20613 wants to remind patients of the importance of thorough oral cancer screenings, which we offer as part of our comprehensive dental health services. Early diagnosis of oral cancer can significantly impact the success of treatment, making regular screenings your first line of defense. Our dedicated team is here to help.

During your screening, our dentist will examine your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We will carefully consider any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have experienced any of the following symptoms for more than a week without improvement, schedule an appointment and inform your dentist immediately:

• Ear pain
• Unexplained mouth bleeding
• Mouth sores that don’t heal
• White or red patches in your mouth
• Dramatic weight loss
• Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
• Sore throat without other sinus symptoms
• Sensation of something caught in the back of your throat
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

In the United States, one adult dies from oral cancer every hour. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase your risk. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Unhealthy diet
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Gender (oral cancer is more common in men than women)
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Tobacco use (users are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users)

Whatever the cause, the success of treatment depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer. Early detection plays a critical role in successful recovery. When found in its early stages, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate. Early detection leads to earlier treatment, and oral cancers found in early or precancerous stages can often be removed with less invasive procedures. Later stages of cancer are typically larger, more complex, and have often spread beyond the mouth.

We are accepting new patients at Calcium Dental. If you would like more information about oral cancer and our oral cancer screening services, contact our office for a consultation with our dentist in 20613. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.