Preventing Oral Cancer Through Screenings
Oral cancer is a dangerous condition that often goes undiagnosed. Usually, it is only discovered in the later stages after it has spread to the lymph nodes. If you are unfamiliar with oral cancer and why oral cancer screenings are important, this blog will help.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
In order to diagnose oral cancer as early as possible, it is absolutely crucial to get regular oral cancer screenings from your dental hygienist. Not every case of oral cancer comes with painful and/or noticeable symptoms of oral cancer. The only way to be sure that you do not have oral cancer is to get regular screenings as advised by your dental professionals.
How Often Should You Be Screened
Generally, people are screened for oral cancer bi-annually during your dental checkups/cleanings. However, if you are over the age of 45, you are more at risk for oral cancer and should be screened more often.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening Like?
Although it may seem like a scary process, oral cancer screenings are entirely painless. During an oral cancer screening, your dental hygienist will examine your oral region for pathologic changes or signs such as red patches, sores, leukoplakia (hardened white or gray lesions) and lumps. You may think that you are able to do this on your own, however, it takes a dental professional to know exactly what is unusual.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer?
The best way to prevent oral cancer is to do the following:
- Good oral hygiene: brushing, flossing and mouthwash
- Don’t smoke
- Lower alcohol intake
- Limit sun exposure
- Wear sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Visiting your dental hygienist regularly
Be proactive about your dental health. Visit Maple Dental Hygiene Care today for the best dental hygiene care in Vaughan. At every dental cleaning appointment at Maple Dental Hygiene Care, a thorough oral cancer screening is done on every patient, prior to beginning dental scaling. Call us today to book an appointment: 905.597.6342.