When you visit the dentist every six months for a routine visit, you expect the hygienist to clean your teeth, you know you might be due for an x-ray, and you’re not surprised by the professional flossing or fluoride treatment, right?
But did you know that an oral cancer screening is an integral part of preventive dental care?
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to schedule a trip to our White Bear Lake dental office.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer Awareness month is an excellent time to get your oral cancer screening at White Bear Smiles. Oral cancer can show up in the flat cell-squamous cells that cover the surfaces of the mouth, such as the inside of the cheeks, tongue, and lips.
The goal of Oral Cancer Awareness Month is to increase public awareness and save lives. Early detection could save your life!
Risk factors that can contribute to oral cancer include excessive sun exposure, tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, or a history of cancer. If you have never had an oral cancer screening, there’s no time like the present. We will perform a thorough oral cancer screening when you visit us for a dental cleaning and examination.
What You Can Do
If you’re between dental visits, there are some things you can do, including the following:
- Look for warning signs — If you have a mouth sore that doesn’t heal in two weeks, or if you have red/white patches in your mouth, a persistent sore throat, or a lump in your mouth or on your neck, you should contact our office.
- Perform self-examinations — Periodically checking your mouth for anything that looks or feels unusual is a good way to notice when something isn’t right.
- Make lifestyle changes — To decrease your chances of oral cancer, you should quit using tobacco products and try to limit your alcohol consumption.
Screenings in White Bear Lake, MN
If you’re interested in an oral cancer screening, our caring dental team will happily assist you! At White Bear Smiles, we strive to help every patient achieve the best oral and overall health possible.
Call our office today to schedule a screening to be checked for oral cancer with Dr. Paul Anderson.
You can reach us at (612) 446-0402.