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Proaction Makes Prevention
At every hygiene visit, we examine all the tissues of your mouth, including gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw. Many patients are surprised at the large amount of surface area that we examine during an oral exam. It is just as important to have regular soft tissue screenings as it is to have a professional dental cleaning.
Oral cancer can afflict anyone, although tobacco users put themselves at significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco has up to 3,000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren’t always detectable until they’ve advanced to a critical stage.
Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. The American Cancer Society reports that about 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of 30,000 cases diagnosed annually. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.
Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth’s tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions. Our doctors will evaluate any abnormalities and determine if they should be monitored or removed.
We understand tobacco holds strong addictive powers over even the most health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, we want to support you in your efforts. Talk to your hygienist or our doctors about the strategies and resources we have available so you can kick the habit.
Signs of Oral Cancer You Should Never Ignore
Between dental visits, be aware of the following warning signs and contact us promptly if you notice any of them:
- A sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal within two weeks
- A red or white patch anywhere in the mouth that does not go away
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot on the lips, gums, or inside of the mouth
- Persistent pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
- Hoarseness or a persistent sore throat that doesn't resolve
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A change in how your teeth fit together or how dentures fit
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait for your next scheduled visit. Call us at (510) 796-3333 and we will assess your concern promptly.
What Happens During Your Oral Cancer Screening at Newark Smiles Dental
An oral cancer screening at our Newark office is a quick, completely painless, and non-invasive process performed as part of your routine hygiene visit:
Visual Examination
Our doctor will carefully examine all visible soft tissues of your mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and the back of the throat, looking for any unusual color changes, sores, lesions, or abnormalities.
Physical Examination
We will gently feel the tissues of your mouth, jaw, and neck for any lumps, thickening, or asymmetry that could indicate a concern beneath the surface that is not yet visible to the naked eye.
Assessment & Discussion
If everything looks normal, we'll let you know and confirm when your next screening should be. If anything unusual is found, we'll explain what we observed, what it may or may not indicate, and the next steps, which may include monitoring, a referral, or a biopsy by a qualified specialist or laboratory.
The entire process takes just a few minutes and is included as part of every comprehensive exam and hygiene visit at our Newark practice.
Trusted Oral Cancer Screenings Serving Newark & the East Bay
Newark Smiles Dental is proud to provide thorough oral cancer screenings to patients throughout Newark, Fremont, Union City, Hayward, and the greater East Bay area. We believe that proactive care, catching concerns before they become serious, is one of the most important things we can do for our patients' long-term health and well-being.
Our screening process is thorough, gentle, and performed at every hygiene visit because we know that consistency is what makes early detection possible. If you haven't had an oral cancer screening recently, or ever, we encourage you to book an appointment today. It takes just minutes and could make all the difference.
Ready to Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Newark, CA
Don't leave your oral health to chance. A screening takes just minutes and is included at every hygiene visit at Newark Smiles Dental. We're welcoming new patients throughout Newark and the East Bay.
Book Your Appointment