Your regular dental appointment does more than keep your smile looking its best. It also gives your dentist an opportunity to check your mouth for signs of changes that may need further attention. One of these checks is an oral cancer screening.
So, what is an oral cancer screening? It's a routine exam that looks for unusual changes in the tissues of your mouth, throat, lips, tongue, and neck. At NOLA Dentures, we encourage patients to understand why these screenings matter and how they fit into ongoing oral health care.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is typically quick and straightforward. Your dentist examines different areas of your mouth and surrounding tissues, looking for changes such as unusual patches, sores, lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.
The exam may include checking your:
- Lips and inside of your cheeks
- Gums and the roof and floor of your mouth
- Tongue and the area underneath it
- Back of the mouth and throat
- Jaw, face, and neck
Your dentist may also gently feel areas around your jaw and neck to check for swelling or other changes. If they notice something that looks unusual, they can discuss the next appropriate steps with you.
Why Is Early Detection Important?
One of the biggest reasons dentists perform these screenings is early detection of oral cancer. Finding suspicious changes early can allow a healthcare professional to investigate them sooner.
It's important to remember that an unusual sore, patch, or lump does not automatically mean cancer. Many common conditions can cause similar changes. A screening simply gives your dental team an opportunity to notice something that may require further assessment.
Do I Need a Screening If I Feel Fine?
Absolutely. Some concerning changes may not cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That's why routine oral cancer screenings remain important even when your mouth feels completely normal.
During regular dental visits, your dentist can monitor changes over time and assess areas that you may not easily see yourself. Regular appointments also give you an opportunity to mention anything new or unusual that you have noticed.
Schedule Oral Cancer Screenings in Gretna, LA
Taking care of your oral health involves more than brushing and flossing. Regular oral cancer screenings in Gretna, LA, can form part of your ongoing dental care and give your dentist an opportunity to identify changes that may need further investigation.
Notice a sore, lump, patch, or other unusual change in your mouth? Please do not ignore it. Contact NOLA Dentures to schedule an appointment and discuss your concerns with our team.