Oral Cancer and Ways Your Dentist Can Effectively Catch the Early Signs

Did you know that routine dental exams are the first line of defense against oral cancer? At Avalon Dental care, our goal is the prevention and early detection of any condition early on while easiest to treat. We are all about maintaining long-term healthy smiles.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer may develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, tonsils, and salivary glands. Symptoms may include ulcers or sores that don’t heal, pain, swelling, lumps, bumps, or red or white patches. Some patients report dramatic weight loss, numbness, unexplained bleeding, voice changes, trouble moving the jaw or tongue, or difficulty chewing or swallowing. 

During the early stages of oral cancer, there may be no symptoms. That’s why routine dental exams at Avalon Dental Care are so important. During your visits, we will examine every aspect of your oral health. Oral cancer, when detected and treated in its early stages, has a 90 percent chance of being cured.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis

During your routine dental exam, we will conduct an oral cancer screening to rule out any abnormalities. This quick and painless exam can save your life! If we identify any suspicious area, we may recommend a soft tissue biopsy, which involves removing a sample of cells to send to a laboratory for evaluation. Cancerous and precancerous changes detected early on are the easiest to treat, and allow for much better chances of full recovery. 

Lowering Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

It’s best to avoid smoking and to drink alcohol in moderation. If you are a smoker, it’s never too late to quit! We cannot overemphasize the importance of keeping up with your periodic dental exams to make sure your oral health stays in tip-top shape. 

Oral Cancer Screenings Near Me

Contact Avalon Dental Care in the El Segundo and Carson areas to learn more about our quality preventive care. Even if you have no symptoms, an oral cancer screening can potentially save your life. Our highly trained and experienced team is all about keeping your smile healthy for years to come! Call us and schedule your dental exam and cleaning today!