Protect your health with an oral cancer screening service in Calgary, AB
Oral cancer can include cancers of the tongue, lips, mouth, or throat, and it can be life-threatening if it is not caught early. A dentist performing an oral cancer screening can find it in the early stages of development and increase the success rate of treatment tremendously. Lake Chaparral Dental Care offers oral cancer screening that can be part of a regular check-up.
Risk factors and symptoms
Oral cancer is associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, viral infections, UV exposure, and poor nutrition. Oral cancer can develop at any age, whether you use tobacco products or not. The best way to lower your risk of oral cancer is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, reduce your alcohol intake, and quit smoking or chewing tobacco.
Symptoms may include persistent mouth sores or pain that don’t improve over time and bad breath. You may notice red or white patches in your mouth, jaw swelling, or lumps in your cheek. You may have loosening teeth or difficulty swallowing.
Quick, painless screening
Because oral cancer starts small, it is easy to miss. Dr. Sharma recommends making oral cancer screening a part of your regular check-ups. She will examine the look and feel of your oral cavity for abnormal tissues and check your neck and throat for lumps. She will also use a blue light to help illuminate small lesions or sores that could be cancerous. If she finds anything unusual, she will recommend additional testing, such as a biopsy.
Request an Appointment
If you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, you may want to screen yourself periodically. Dr. Sharma can also go over how-to exam your tongue, lips, and gums. Good oral hygiene can prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which have been linked to a higher risk of oral cancer. Dr. Sharma can educate you on the best way to care for your teeth and gums to protect yourself and prevent costly dental procedures.
Just like with all forms of cancer, early detection is key. Contact us today for an oral cancer screening service in Calgary, AB. Call us at (403) 768-2271.
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