Oral Cancer Screenings in Clearwater, Florida
When you visit our clinic, you will be given an exam as well as a cleaning and an oral cancer screening. At Dental Arts Clearwater, we perform these screenings to ensure that patients are healthy and can receive early treatment for the disease if it is detected.
Who Is at Risk?
Some factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer, such as being over a certain age or partaking in certain activities. If you are exposed to the sun frequently, use tobacco products, or drink alcohol excessively, you may be at risk. You may also be at a higher risk if you have been diagnosed with HPV, are a male, or have an unhealthy diet.
All of these can play a role in your risk of developing oral cancer, so speak with your dentist if any of the risk factors are relevant to you.
Symptoms & Signs
Your dentist will be conducting an exam that allows them to see any abnormalities on the facial region. This region includes the neck, the inside of the mouth, the cheeks, and the face. They will be looking for discoloration and other abnormalities, such as:
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Spots that bleed and have not healed over time
- Hard spots or lumps in the facial area
- Discomfort when biting down or chewing
Any of these can be a sign that you need further testing. If you notice anything strange inside your mouth, contact your dentist for a thorough examination and oral cancer screening. If more tests are needed, you will be referred to a professional that can get an accurate diagnosis and provide more information about oral cancer and treatment.
You can call our office to schedule an appointment with a Dental Arts Clearwater professional at your convenience or stop into the office during normal business hours to get more information on our clinic as well as dental care services that we offer to patients.
