Oral Cancer Screenings Near You
Even though we may not think about it often, oral cancer can impact our health and wellness just as much as other diseases. Our mouths are quite a vulnerable place, and it is very easy for bacteria and other debris to amalgamate there since we’re always talking, breathing, and eating. As a result, it is important to take precautions and visit a dentist near you to undergo an oral cancer screening.
Staying on top of things and addressing issues before they become serious will help your smile and mouth remain healthy. Our dental clinic offers oral cancer screenings in Indian land; call today to book yours.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth but also the throat, tongue, lips, and the tissues of your cheeks. Several tell-tale signs indicate the presence of this disease, such as:
- A mouth sore that won’t heal
- Patches of red or white tissue
- Loose teeth
- An abnormal lump in your mouth
- It hurts/you’re unable to swallow
- Painful chewing
If any of these symptoms persist for several weeks, you should get in touch with an Indian Land dentist right away. When you come into Wellness Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Ajayi will thoroughly review your case to accurately diagnose and treat your smile and, by extension, get your oral and overall health back to normal.
Who is at Risk?
Different factors can contribute to oral cancer development; however, certain habits can put you at a higher risk, including:
- Using tobacco products (cigars, pipes, cigarettes, and chewing it)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Sun exposure
- HPV
- Genetics
- Poor diet
What’s Involved in a Screening?
You and your family are encouraged to visit Wellness Smiles Dentistry and meet with Dr. Ajayi to receive an oral cancer screenings near you. Like routine check-ups and cleanings, getting this treatment regularly aids with disease prevention and keeps your oral structures strong and functional.
During your appointment, Dr. Ajayi will comprehensively inspect your mouth, looking for irregular skin patches, lesions, sores, and signs of infection. Your jaw and throat will be assessed for any lumps. You’ll be asked questions regarding your medical and dental history, like how often you brush and floss, if you have allergies, and whether you’re taking any medications. X-rays will typically follow.
If the situation calls for it, a biopsy may be ordered. This entails collecting a small tissue sample that can be tested at a medical lab to confirm whether oral cancer is indeed present. Next steps will be decided after the test results are delivered back to Dr. Ajayi.
Should you have questions or concerns at any point in time, don’t hesitate to let our dental team know! You have every right to understand the details of your case and have your opinions heard when it comes to undergoing treatment. We take your comfort seriously at Wellness Smiles Dentistry.
Book Your Appointment
To book a consultation and learn more about oral cancer screening in Indian Land, contact our local dental clinic at (803) 380-3416. We will happily assist you with selecting a day and time that suits your schedule.
We’ll see you very soon!
FAQ's
Regular check-ups are required to preserve oral health. Although the time interval between check-ups is different, visiting a dental check-up every six months is recommended. The interval visits assist in the early identification of conditions such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, which enables early treatment and prevention.
Oral cancer screenings should be had by all, but certain individuals are more likely to be at risk. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, excessive sun exposure, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, family cancer history, and diet. If you are in one of these risk groups, you must talk to our dentist about regular screenings.
Indeed, most dentists incorporate oral cancer screening during regular dental check-ups. Dentists look for oral cancer indications in the form of sores, pigmented tissue, or bumps in the mouth. Regular dental visits play an important role in the detection of oral cancer.
An oral cancer screening is a fast, painless process that will only take a few minutes of your time on a regular dental visit. Our dentist will look in your mouth and examine around your jaw and neck with his or her hands for any sign of anything being off. Otherwise, the screening doesn’t take much extra time out of your appointment.
Yes, oral cancer screenings are often performed during routine dental check-ups. Including the screening in your regular exam allows for early detection without the need for a separate appointment. This proactive approach helps in identifying potential issues promptly.
Oral cancer screenings are generally painless and non-invasive. Our dentist will examine your mouth visually and feel for any lumps or irregularities around your mouth, jaw, and neck. Most patients experience no discomfort during the procedure.
