An Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life!

When it comes to protecting your health, it’s vital to be proactive. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and an excellent time to assess your smile for any unusual signs or symptoms of this serious disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 50,000 adults in the United States will get diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, with 10,000 fatalities. Although this number remains alarmingly high, prevention and early detection minimize the risks and go a long way in supporting favorable treatment outcomes.

Providing skilled care to protect your oral health and overall well-being

At the office of Smylique Dentistry, your smile and overall well-being are our top priorities. 

Because the signs and symptoms of oral cancer can seem innocent and mimic issues that may go away by themselves, many people remain unaware that a serious condition is present.

As part of a comprehensive dental checkup, we perform a thorough screening for oral cancer. In addition to closely examining the tissues in and around the oral cavity, we’ll also palpate the jaw, neck, and under the chin for any suspicious lesions or lumps and indications of pathology.

With oral cancer, it’s essential to be aware.

It’s also essential to inform us if you’ve noticed any of the following tissue changes or lingering symptoms in or around the oral cavity:

• Mouth ulcers or lesions that don’t seem to heal
• Unusual lumps or thickened areas
• Red or White patches 
• Persistent swelling of unknown origin
• Painful swallowing, a painful tongue, ear or neck ache
• Constantly feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• Tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
• Loose teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness

Trusted care for healthy smiles

Although the above signs and symptoms can represent benign and treatable issues, it’s vital to be certain. At the office of Smylique Dentistry, we provide comprehensive care to support healthy, beautiful smiles and to protect your overall well-being. To hear more about our office and the many services we provide, give us a call today.