Oral Cancer Screenings
Why do an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it’s caught early. That’s why we perform an oral cancer exam in combination with each of your comprehensive and periodic dental examinations. An oral cancer exam is quick and painless. A few minutes can go a long way towards helping ensure a long and healthy life. At Amerident Dental, we can help in identifying pre-cancerous and cancerous abnormalities of the mouth.
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I don’t smoke, so why do I need an Oral Cancer Screening?
One American dies from oral cancer every hour. Virtually everyone is at risk. In fact, twenty-five percent of cases of oral cancer occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other lifestyle risk factors.
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What will my dentist look for?
Oral cancer can start in the cheek lining, gum tissue, lip, tongue or hard or soft palate. It often goes unnoticed as a small white or red spot.
Signs you can look for include:
- A sore that does not heal, or bleeds easily
- Discolored oral tissue
- A bump, rough spot, thickening, or ulceration
- Mouth or lip pain, tenderness or numbness
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
- A change in the way your teeth fit together
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Am I at risk for Oral Cancer?
While there is no such thing as no risk for oral cancer, your risk varies based upon several different factors. Below are some indications to consider. Highest risk: Patients 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tobacco and/or alcohol use, exposure to human papillomavirus [HPV], prolonged sun exposure to the lips). High risk: Patients 40 and older without lifestyle risk factors. Increased risk: Patients 18 -39 without lifestyle risk factors.
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How can I schedule an exam that will include an Oral Cancer Screening?
Every exam we do includes an Oral Cancer Screening. If you would like to know more about our Oral Cancer Screenings, or would like to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination with one of our dentist or hygienists, please contact us at (603) 672-6546 or e-mail info@ameridentnh.com
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