Oral cancer claims the life of someone every single hour. As part of our commitment to provide comprehensive dental care to our patients, we offer oral cancer screenings as part of our routine examinations at Northside Dental. We want you to know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and how we can detect oral cancer early on at our Raleigh, NC dental office.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in your mouth, gums, tongue, or tonsils. The primary causes of oral cancer are excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption, but exposure to HPV, or human-papiloma-virus-16, is another leading cause. Poor oral hygiene, poor diet, and eating a diet rich in sugar and other inflammatory foods can also contribute to oral cancer.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Lip or mouth sore that won’t heal
- White or red patches inside your mouth
- Painful lump or abnormal growth inside your mouth
- Earache or toothache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inexplicably loose, wiggly teeth
If you are exhibiting any of these signs or symptoms, you should contact your dentist right away. At Northside Dental, we can perform a thorough oral cancer screening and order additional tests to ensure early detection and treatment if needed.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screenings are quite quick and painless. During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Metwally will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and tongue to look out for any of the signs mentioned above. He might also massage the lymph nodes in your neck to detect any swelling or abnormalities.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco use are some of the most effective ways to avoid oral cancer and keep your smile in good shape.
Affordable Oral Cancer Screenings in Raleigh, NC
At Northside Dental, we offer affordable dental treatment in the greater Raleigh area, including oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive services. It’s another reason why you shouldn’t skip any of your regular dental exams. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and give yourself the gift of good oral health. We look forward to caring for your smile!