The Importance Of Seeing Your Dentist For Oral Cancer Checks
Get your oral cancer check during your checkup
- Highly treatable when caught early
- Painless and completed in minutes
- Early detection can be a lifesaver
- Ease your worries
Did you know that oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world? That's why it's so important to see your dentist in Mississauga for regular oral cancer checks. Early detection is key when it comes to oral cancer and can often mean the difference between life and death.
What's involved in an oral cancer check?
During an oral cancer check, your dentist will visually and physically examine your mouth for any signs or symptoms of cancer. This includes looking for any changes in the color or texture of your oral tissues, as well as feeling for any lumps or bumps. Your dentist may also use a special light to look for any abnormal tissue growths. If anything suspicious is found, your dentist will likely recommend further testing.
How can oral cancer be treated?
If oral cancer is caught in its early stages, treatment is often very successful. The most common treatment for oral cancer is surgery, which may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. It's important to work with your dentist and medical team to create a treatment plan that's right for you.
Factors that put you at an elevated risk
There are a number of factors that can put you at an increased risk for developing oral cancer. These include:
- Tobacco use: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and spit tobacco all increase your risk of oral cancer. This is because they contain harmful chemicals that can damage the DNA in your cells and lead to cancerous growths.
- Heavy alcohol use: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol also increases your risk of oral cancer. Alcohol can damage the DNA in your cells and make it more difficult for your body to repair this damage.
- UV light exposure: Spending time in the sun without adequate sunscreen protection can increase your risk of oral cancer. UV radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in your cells and lead to the development of cancerous growths.
- Family history: If you have a family history of oral cancer, you may be at an increased risk for developing the disease yourself. This is because certain genetic mutations can be passed down from generation to generation.
It's important to remember that oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle choices. That's why it's so important to see your dentist in Mississauga regularly for oral cancer checks. And if you have any concerns about oral cancer, don't hesitate to bring them up with us during your next appointment.