Oral Cancer Screenings in Raleigh, NC
![Oral Cancer Screening | VP Dental | Close-up of a young woman's mouth and lower face, suggesting an oral cancer screening](https://vprestondental.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Facial-Infections-1024x410-1.jpg)
The early detection and prevention of oral cancer are among the many reasons why you should not miss a routine dental check-up. At VP Dental, we provide oral cancer screening in Raleigh, NC, because this preventive care could potentially save your life.
Early Detection Is Crucial For Beating Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is quickly becoming one of the most prevalent forms of cancer today, but it doesn’t receive much attention compared to breast and lung cancer, and that’s a major part of the problem. Because few people realize that oral cancer is a risk, they often don’t get diagnosed until it’s past the early stages, which makes it much more dangerous. We at VP Dental want to stop oral cancer in its tracks by diagnosing it early, and that’s where mouth cancer screenings come in.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
One of the best things about oral cancer screening is that it’s so quick and easy that we can do it during your regular cleaning appointments at VP Dental. The screening mainly consists of Dr. Preston checking the tissues of your mouth for any irregularities, such as unusual textures or white or red spots. Everyone should be screened for oral cancer regularly, but it’s particularly important for those with risk factors such as smoking, tobacco use, previous history of oral cancer, alcohol use, and age.
What are the Signs of Oral Cancer?
The following are some possible early indicators of oral cancer:
- Lip or mouth sores that don’t go away
- Red sores or patches inside the mouth
- An unusual bulge or growth
- Having trouble swallowing
- Unsteady teeth
- Pain in the mouth or ears
Who is at High Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is more common in patients with a family history of the disease. Additionally, if you participate in or have a history of any of the following, you may benefit from VP Dental screenings:
- Use of tobacco products of any form, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, cigars, and cigarettes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular exposure to the sun
- Previous diagnosis of oral cancer
Schedule Your Next Appointment At VP Dental Today
Oral cancer screenings have been shown to increase the survival rate to 80 percent and better, which is why it’s so important to have this simple test done. If you think you’re at risk of oral cancer, schedule a consultation today and Dr. Preston will be able to screen you at the same time she is making sure you’re staying cavity-free!
Do you wish you had a bright, healthy smile? Visit VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, to make that dream a reality. Call us at (919) 518-0540 today to learn more about how our experienced dental team and high-quality dental services can improve your smile and oral health!