Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of maintaining your overall health and protecting your smile. These screenings allow your dentist to spot early signs of concern that may otherwise go unnoticed, giving you a greater chance of successful treatment if needed. At Strawberry Hill Family Dental in Surrey, BC, screenings are simple, quick, and designed to give you reassurance about your health. Schedule your oral cancer screening today and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your well-being.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Essential For Early Detection
Routine screenings give dentists the opportunity to identify small changes before they become bigger concerns. Catching oral cancer early greatly improves treatment options and outcomes, while also helping to prevent it from spreading to other areas. Regular screenings give you added confidence in your health.
- Detect problems early: Identifies cancerous and precancerous changes before they progress, often before you notice symptoms yourself
- Improve treatment outcomes: Early-stage oral cancer is more responsive to care and may allow for less invasive treatment
- Protect overall wellness: Oral health is closely connected to total body health, making screenings a valuable part of preventive care
- Offer reassurance: Knowing that your dentist checks for these issues during visits gives you confidence in your care
Signs & Symptoms Of Oral Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Knowing the early warning signs helps you understand when it may be time to get checked. Many of these symptoms can appear harmless at first, but a screening can determine if further attention is needed. Paying attention to changes gives you peace of mind and a healthier future.
- Persistent sores: Mouth ulcers that do not heal after two weeks, especially if they bleed or return frequently
- Unusual patches: Red, white, or speckled spots in the mouth that remain for an extended period
- Chronic discomfort: Ongoing soreness, numbness, or irritation in the lips, gums, or tongue that makes eating or speaking difficult
- Swelling or lumps: Areas of thickened tissue or bumps inside the mouth or throat that can feel unusual when swallowing
How Dentists Detect Oral Cancer In Routine Exams
Dentists include oral cancer screenings as part of regular visits, making them simple and stress-free. They carefully examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums, while also feeling your neck and jaw for any unusual changes. The entire screening takes only a few minutes.
- Visual check: Examines lips, tongue, gums, and soft tissues for unusual patches or sores
- Physical exam: Gently feels the neck and jaw for lumps that may indicate swollen lymph nodes
- Special tools: Lights or dyes may be used to highlight suspicious areas not visible otherwise
- Seamless process: The screening is completed alongside your regular dental exam without adding extra time
Risk Factors For Oral Cancer & How To Reduce Them
Lifestyle choices and certain health conditions can make you more vulnerable to oral cancer. Understanding these risk factors allows you to make informed decisions that lower your risks while protecting your overall wellness. With awareness and preventive screenings, you can take control of your health.
- Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco are leading causes and significantly raise risk, even with light use
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking adds another layer of risk, particularly when combined with smoking
- HPV infection: Human papillomavirus has been linked to oral cancers, making regular screenings especially important for those at risk
- Sun exposure: Lack of lip protection in the sun increases the likelihood of lip cancer, so using SPF lip balm is a smart habit
What Happens If Your Oral Cancer Screening Is Positive?
A positive screening result does not automatically mean you have cancer. Instead, it signals that your dentist wants to take a closer look to be cautious. With additional tests and guidance, you’ll know exactly what steps come next.
- Additional testing: A biopsy or imaging may be used to confirm whether suspicious tissue needs treatment
- Specialist referral: If necessary, your dentist will connect you with a trusted specialist for further evaluation
- Guided next steps: You’ll receive a clear plan and ongoing support so you never feel uncertain about what comes next
Stay One Step Ahead With A Simple Screening
Your health deserves careful attention, and oral cancer screenings make it easy to stay ahead of potential problems. The process is quick, painless, and can make a big difference in protecting both your smile and overall health. If you’re in Surrey, BC, the trusted team at Strawberry Hill Family Dental is here to make your well-being a top priority. Contact us today to schedule your oral cancer screening and take the next step toward lasting peace of mind.