Prevent Oral Cancer with Help from Your Dentist in Grand Prairie

It’s forecasted that over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, with nearly 10,000 of the cases resulting in death. Your dentist in Grand Prairie says the best way to turn the tides is through preventive dentistry. Read on to learn why it’s important to undergo an oral cancer screening and how it could possibly save your life

Could Bacteria be the Culprits?

Oral cancer is a potentially-fatal disease that starts in the flat cells in the mouth, lips and throat. Studies have found a close relation between its development and the untreated growth of oral bacteria, which explains why every aspect of a preventive care visit is so important.

The Value of Preventive Care

Every six months, it’s recommended you visit your dentist for preventive care. Here’s what typically happens:

• Cleaning – The process starts with your dental hygienist cleaning your teeth. This will remove the harmful plaque and tartar that could cause tooth and gum decay and could eventually lead to the development of oral cancer.
• Examination – Next, you’ll undergo an examination to allow the hygienist to identify any signs of tooth or gum decay. By having these issues identified and treated, you can better protect yourself from the chances of developing oral cancer.

The final step of the process is to undergo the actual oral cancer screening.

How an Oral Cancer Screening Works

Typically, the screening is divided into two parts to ensure you are completely protected. Here is what is included in the process.

Visual Exam

The purpose of the visual screening is for your dentist to assess your face, neck, lips, the inside of your nose and your oral cavity. Any signs of swelling, bumps or white or red patches will be taken note of and further investigated.

Physical Exam

Next, your dentist will use his hands to probe your head, cheeks, jaw and under your chin to further ensure you’re as healthy as possible.

A Great Opportunity

Of the people who are diagnosed with oral cancer early and who also receive treatment, the five-year survival rate is 75%. However, the numbers drop significantly to around 20% when the disease is treated later in its development.

So now that you’re better informed about the importance of catching and treating oral cancer early, you have a unique opportunity before you. By expending roughly an hour of your time, you can have the comfort of knowing that your oral health is fortified and that you’re protected from oral cancer.

It all starts by reaching out to schedule a preventive care visit today!