Oral Cancer Screenings in Brunswick, GA

Education, Awareness, Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Oral Cancer

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What is Oral Cancer?

Although not as widely publicized as other forms of cancer, Oral Cancer is quite common, especially among smokers and tobacco users. Oral Cancer refers to cancer that forms anywhere inside the mouth, including the lining of the lips, tongue, and cheeks, the gums, the roof and floor of the mouth, and the upper part of the throat.

Who is At Risk?

As with any type of cancer, some people are more at risk of oral cancer than others. The main risk factors are:

  • Smoking, any tobacco use, vaping
  • Regularly drinking alcohol to excess
  • Prolonged sun exposure
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Additionally, men are typically more susceptible to oral cancer than women, and it usually affects people who are 60 or older.

While oral cancer is more likely to develop in people with the main risk factors, it is important to understand that oral cancer can affect anyone, even young people and people who have never smoked, do not drink alcohol, and have no other risk factors.

You can lower your risk of oral cancer by:
  • Not smoking, using tobacco, or vaping
  • Using sunscreen on your face and lips, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when out in the sun
  • Not drinking alcohol or drinking it only occasionally and in moderation
  • Getting the HPV vaccine
  • Eating a nutritionally balanced diet
  • Visiting Dr. Britt for regular oral hygiene examinations and oral cancer screenings

Signs of Oral Cancer

Be aware of the following warning signs and call Dentistry By Angela Britt in Brunswick, GA immediately if you notice or feel anything abnormal in or around your mouth:

  • A sore on your lip or in your mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within 2 weeks
  • Uncharacteristic rough spots on your tongue, anywhere inside your mouth, or on your lips
  • White patches anywhere inside your mouth or on your tongue that do not disappear after brushing, drinking water, swishing with mouthwash
  • Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness inside your mouth or on your tongue, neck, or face
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw
  • Bad breath that does not go away with brushing, flossing, mouthwash
  • Ear pain not caused by an infection

Get an Oral Cancer Screening During Your Dental Examination

Dr. Angela Britt can perform an Oral Cancer Screening during your routine dental exam. This includes looking for lesions, mouth sores, or abnormal areas inside your mouth. If she finds anything suspicious, she will refer you for additional testing to diagnose the problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

The American Dental Association recommends all adults undergo periodic oral cancer screenings during their regular dental visits. Early detection of oral cancer is critical to increasing your chance of survival. Recognizing and managing precancerous lesions is extremely important in prevention.

Your Dentist is Your Ally Against Oral Cancer

When in doubt, contact Dentistry by Angela Britt, in Brunswick, GA!

Dr. Britt is trained to recognize the signs of oral cancer and has special diagnostic tools at her disposal, including VELScope VX. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment highlights potentially cancerous areas that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. An oral cancer screening using VELScope VX can help Dr. Britt detect cancer in its earliest stages, when it is the most treatable.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral cancer risk, contact us today to schedule a screening.

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Your teeth deserve the best. We ensure you get it.

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