A checkup and cleaning visit is about more than just looking for signs of cavities or gum disease. We also want to offer adults in Mansfield, TX, a thorough oral cancer screening. Identifying the issue in the earliest stages is essential for protecting your smile and increasing the chances of a full recovery. Have you scheduled a screening for 2019 yet?
When Do You Need a Screening?
As an adult, you should undergo a screening at least once a year. We will perform a visual scan and use advanced technology to obtain a clear and detailed picture of your oral health. The screening will look for possible precancerous and cancerous areas. Our team can then refer you to specialist for a biopsy and if necessary, to start the treatment process. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Of that number, at least half will die within five years. Th high mortality rate is due to the fact that oral cancer is rarely caught in the early stages. By the time people realize something is wrong, the disease has had an opportunity to reach the advanced stages. However, a yearly exam enables us to catch the problem early!
Potential Risk Factors
A number of factors could increase your risk, including family history of oral cancer, excessive alcohol consumption, the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and too much sun. However, even if you don’t drink or smoke, you should still undergo a screening each year. Warning signs to watch for include a persistent sore throat, changes in your voice and prolonged hoarseness, earaches, sudden weight loss, changes to your bite balance, or sores, rough patches, and lesions in the mouth that don’t heal after 14 days. If you begin to experience one or more of these symptoms, then please let us know as soon as possible so we can examine your smile.
Checkups and Cleanings
During your six-month visit, we will also perform a checkup and cleaning. A checkup involves looking for other oral health issues that could require treatment, such as cavities, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease. We will also watch for indicators of TMJ disorder and bruxism. A cleaning will remove all plaque from your smile, a major assist in the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next visit, then please contact our team today.
Ready to See Us for a Screening?
We want to help you enjoy healthy smiles for many years to come. To learn more about preventive dental care, then schedule a consultation by calling our dentist’s office in Mansfield, TX, today at 817-473-6227.
Recent Comments