Getting Screened for Oral Cancer

When people think about visiting their dentist in Findlay at DeClerck Family Dental, they often worry about their dentist finding cavities. Unfortunately, cavities aren't the worst thing a dentist can find. Many Americans have or are starting to develop oral cancer, and they often don't even realize it until their dentist finds it during a routine check-up.

Unlike other dental problems, which can start to show symptoms right away, oral cancer is one health condition that often shows no symptoms until the disease has progressed. Oral cancer is much easier to treat the sooner it is caught, however, so routine oral cancer screenings are widely recommended to catch the disease as soon as possible.

Generally speaking, most people should have oral cancer screenings done at least once per year. People who are at an increased risk for oral cancer, due to a family history of cancer or to their tobacco use, might need to visit DeClerck Family Dental for more frequent screenings, however.

The process of checking for oral cancer is quite simple. Your Findlay dentist will likely have you swish a special blue fluid around your mouth, and he will look in your mouth with a flashlight. He may feel around your mouth or throat as well. These procedures are quick and easy, and your dentist can generally give you your results right away.

For most people, oral cancer screenings are simply a quick and easy part of a routine dental examination. They aren't scary, and they don't take much time. For people who have or are in the process of developing oral cancer, however, these quick screenings can mean the difference between catching oral cancer earlier when it is treatable, or losing a battle with a preventable and curable disease.

Whether you are at an increased risk for oral cancer or not, you will only benefit from routine oral cancer screenings. Don't forget your appointment with Declerck Family Dental to have one done when you have your routine exam.