Do I Really Need an Oral Cancer Screening in St George?

We can provide you with an oral cancer screening in St George, a simple step that could help to save your life.  While oral cancer is something that most people do not think about, it is all too common.  In fact, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one person dies in the United States every hour due to oral cancer. This terrible disease impacts people of all ages. Thus, regardless of whether or not you appear to be healthy, it is critical that you receive regular screenings.  This is what you need to protect yourself just like you need to get a mammogram or annual checkup at the doctor.

Who needs an oral cancer screening?

Everyone is at risk for oral cancer because like all cancers, there is a risk of developing this deadly disease no matter how old you are.  However, certain people are at a greater risk for developing the disease.  At the top of this list is men over the age of fifty and those that use smokeless tobacco products.  For years, it has been thought that smokeless tobacco was healthier than smoking cigarettes and a safer alternative.  While this is better for your lungs than smoking, chewing tobacco poses a direct risk to your mouth.  People that chew tobacco can increase the risk of oral cancer, making quitting the single most important thing you can do for your health.  Recently, it has also become clear that those with a particular strain of HPV are at risk for developing oral cancer.  This is a sexually transmitted disease that there is a vaccine for.  We recommend that you speak with your family physician and if you are diagnosed with HPV, let us know.  That way, we can conduct a screening even more frequently.  As it is, those that use chewing tobacco or have HPV should schedule an oral cancer screening for twice a year.

Why is this important?

Early detection is critical because it makes early treatment possible.  One of the reasons that oral cancer claims so many lives is that people do not catch it early enough.  This is partially because it is impossible to clearly see the inside of your mouth.  When there are physical signs of cancer, it can be difficult to identify them yourself.  As a dentist, we can see what is happening inside of your mouth and determine if anything appears to be out of the ordinary like rough patches, red and white bumps or hard lumps.  We can conduct a thorough oral cancer screening so that you will know the condition of your health and can take steps to address it.  While we do not treat cancer in our office, we can provide you with a referral and give you suggestions for the next steps.

For those that are not at a high risk, we still recommend that you have an oral cancer screening on an annual basis when you are having your teeth cleaned and examined. Call our office at (435) 628-9099 and schedule yours today.

St. George Dental Care

Share
Published by
St. George Dental Care

Recent Posts

How to Address a Rotten Tooth Smell Quickly and Safely

Having a sensitive sense of smell can be both a blessing and a curse, as…

4 days ago

How to Use an Electric Toothbrush for a Cleaner Smile

Brushing your teeth is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile, and using an electric…

1 week ago

Dentist Surgeon vs. General Dentist: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to maintaining your dental health, understanding the professionals who provide care can…

2 weeks ago

10 Dentist Jokes to Ease Your Fear of the Chair

Does the thought of sitting in a dentist's chair make your palms sweaty? You're not…

2 weeks ago

Polished Dental Care: What It Is and Why You Need It

Good oral health isn't just about having a bright smile; it's a fundamental part of…

3 weeks ago

Top 5 Reasons to Visit a Dentist for Seniors at St. George Dental Care

Aging brings numerous joys, but it also presents specific challenges, particularly in terms of oral…

1 month ago