Cancer is a hazardous disease that has become a common cause of death globally. While technology is continuously expanding and cancer treatments are being developed, there are still a lot of people who die because of cancer. Oral cancer is a type of cancer with high death cases because people often don’t get diagnosed with it. This is where oral cancer screenings come to play.
In this blog, we are going to discuss oral cancer, the risk factors involved with oral cancer, the importance of oral cancer screenings, and everything else. Let’s start.
What is Oral Cancer?
One of the major reasons why mouth cancer is considered dangerous is because it has various types. Thus, you may be unaware of having oral cancer by assuming that your dental health is in check. This is also the reason why it is vital to visit your dentist regularly so they can track your oral health. The most typical forms of oral cancer include:
- Tongue cancer
- Gum cancer
- Cancer of the lips
- Throat cancer
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Following are the symptoms of oral cancer:
- Tongue pain
- Sore throat
- Stiffness in the jaw.
- Jaw pain.
- Loose teeth.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Pain while chewing.
- Swollen skin or thick lining in your mouth.
- A sore that lasts long or bleeds.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a health checkup that takes place to identify the occurrence of precancerous cells in your body. This examination specifically checks your dental health to identify various types of oral cancers.
Dentists usually hold oral cancer screenings as they know the best when it comes to your oral health. Your dentist may check for precancerous cells when you visit them for a routine checkup in case they suspect it.
Moreover, other doctors can also go through the oral screening process to determine signs of cancerous cells developing in your mouth.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Many people take oral examinations lightly. However, oral cancer screenings are highly important, and they prove to be beneficial. In this section, we’re going to discuss a few significant benefits of oral cancer screenings:
Cancer gets Detected at The Initial Stage
When you get examined regularly, your doctor can detect cancer at its early stage, which increases the chances of cancer getting cured.
Determination of The Risk Levels of You Getting the Cancer
Nobody wants cancer, but you never know the factors that can increase your chances of getting oral cancer. If you get oral screenings done, you’ll have an understanding of your risk levels and may be able to stop it from occurring.
Oral Cancer Prevention
If cancer doesn’t get detected in your mouth, an oral cancer screening will still help you prevent cancer if you’re at a higher risk of getting cancer.
Who Needs to Get Examined for Oral Cancer?
In general, any individual can get oral cancer screenings to track their oral health related to cancer. This will ensure that you are informed about your oral health, and you know that any precancerous cells don’t exist in your mouth.
However, these screenings are essential for those who are at a higher risk of getting mouth cancer. People who should essentially get oral cancer screenings include:
Smokers
The use of tobacco has many more effects on your body than heavily impacting your lungs. People who smoke are at a higher risk of getting oral cancer.
Those who’ve been Diagnosed with Cancer
People who have been diagnosed with any type of cancer in the past have increased their chances of getting oral cancer.
Genes
Oftentimes, cancer can be hereditary, meaning if one or more members of your family suffer from mouth cancer, you’ll have greater chances of getting it.
Regular Drinkers
Excess consumption of alcohol can also lead to oral cancer. Thus, heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of getting it.
STI Patients
People who suffer from STIs or HPVs are also at a higher risk of getting oral cancer.
It will prove to be beneficial to you if you avoid the risk factors that are in your control, such as drinking, smoking, practising safe sex, etc. However, you should know that people can also get oral cancer without having any risk factors; thus, regular oral screenings can ensure that you prevent it or detect it at an early stage.
The Takeaway
Oral cancer screenings are vital because they ensure you know about your oral health in terms of the development of precancerous cells. If diagnosed early, oral cancer is curable. We hope this blog has helped you understand what oral cancer screenings are and why they are important.
If you want to get the examination done or don’t know if you should, contact our professionals at Complete Smile to book an appointment right away!
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