Besides having your teeth and gums cleaned, another good reason to see your Dentist Hollywood is to check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. The mortality rate of oral cancer is high because it’s usually discovered late. Also, one of the reasons why people with oral cancer aren’t diagnosed is because they don’t routinely see their dentist and the only time they schedule an appointment is when their condition has already worsened and by then it would be too late. It’s important to mention that during a dental checkup your dentist will visually inspect your mouth for signs and symptoms of oral cancer. The earlier the detection the lesser the chances of cancer cells metastasizing. Let’s learn more.
In general, cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells that are capable of damaging tissues. Patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer will exhibit signs and symptoms that manifest in the floor of the mouth, cheeks, tongue, hard and soft palate, lips, pharynx, and sinuses. If oral cancer is left untreated it can lead to death. During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will assess your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
The most common signs of oral cancer include swelling of your gums with lumps, spots and crusts, white and red patches in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, unexplained numbness, sores found on the neck, mouth, and face that won’t go away even after two weeks, soreness in the back of your throat, difficulty speaking, swallowing or chewing, a change in your voice and dramatic weight loss. The advantage of seeing your dentist every year is to give you peace of mind that you’re healthy and if ever you have cancer it can be treated early before it spreads to other parts of your body.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse, see your dentist immediately and get yourself screened for oral cancer. At TLC Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life while restoring self-assurance, rebuilding confident smiles, and encouraging both dental and medical wellness. Call us today for an appointment or visit our website to learn more about our services.
