Oral Cancer Screening By Dentists: Accuracy And Methods
Learn About the Advantages of Oral Cancer Screening
The oral cavity includes the tongue, gums, teeth, palate, lips, and the buccal mucosa, i.e., the inner lining of the cheeks and the lips inside the mouth. If a person develops any kind of abnormalities or cancer cells in these areas, it is called oral cancer. Oral cancer is a common type of cancer affecting people worldwide. The five-year survival rate of oral cancer is 57% percent. This generally means that a few people who are diagnosed with oral cancer survive after five years post-diagnosis. The experts suggest a time-to-time screening at an oral cancer screening dentist for earlier detection. An earlier detection can be helpful to make the treatment more successful. We at Smiley Dental aim at your oral well-being and taking care of your dental health. Our team offers a complete screening test utilizing efficient equipment and knowledge. It helps in earlier detection and starting the treatment as soon as there are any signs of abnormalities.
In this article, we will discuss the risk factors affecting oral cancer, screening methods, and more.
Risk factors for developing oral cancer cells
- People who are addicted to or using tobacco. It is one of the most prominent risk
factors that leads to oral cancer. - People who drink alcohol
- People who are 55 years of age and beyond
- Males are more likely to be prone to oral cancer than females.
- People who have poor nutrition
- People who have a genetic syndrome
- People having poor or bad oral hygiene
Make an appointment for an oral cancer screening test at Smiley Dental Waltham right now to take preventative measures against tooth disease and protect your overall health and well-being. Our committed staff is here to offer you complete care, using cutting-edge technology and individualized methods to guarantee your comfort and peace of mind at every stage. Please work with us before it’s too late to make your dental health your first concern. We can help you maintain your smile for many years to come. Schedule your screening now at any of our numerous locations: Waltham, Weston, Newton, Watertown, Lexington, Wayland, Lincoln.
The Accuracy of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral hygiene can be easily examined, and unusual spots or abnormalities can be easily spotted. Most of the time, oral cancer starts as an OPMD (oral potentially malignant disorder), which means there’s a greater chance of causing cancer. The common OPMDs are white patches, i.e., leukoplakia, and red patches, i.e., erythroplakia. These mentioned conditions have a higher risk of developing cancer cells, but some of the cancer cells can stay the same or can even be cured on their own.
Currently, with just an oral cancer screening dentist, it’s difficult to predict whether a spot, sore, or abnormalities would turn into cancer or not. The signs might help in diagnosing in the later stages of the screening to find out if it’s cancer or not.
Screening Methods Used in Oral Cancer Screening
Screening for oral cancer includes several methods that aim at early detection of any abnormalities in the oral cavity. The certain methods are:
- Medical history An oral cancer screening dentist reviews a person’s previous illness, health habits, and other prior treatments. The people who are exposed and addicted to smoking and drinking are at greater risk of developing cancerous cells.
- Visual checkup Dentists or doctors check the lips, mouth, and other parts of the patient visually to find any white or red patches and other abnormalities.
- Lab tests If any abnormalities or unusual in the oral cavity, the dentist or healthcare professional might send blood, tissue, or any other substance as per the requirement to a laboratory for a deeper analysis.
- Specialized Light tests Some screenings also involve the usage of specialized lights, such as fluorescence visualization, to highlight and spot abnormal or cancerous cells.
- X-rays and other imaging examinations Imaging examinations such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs might be helpful in getting a detailed view of the oral cavity and in detecting any kind of irregularities.
Regular screening at a good oral cancer screening dentist is very important because early detection of oral cancer can lead to a successful treatment. We at Smiley Dental provide you with a specialized team, including professional experts using advanced equipment for earlier detection of oral cancer, which can be a great help in starting the treatment as soon as the cancer cells are detected.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, scheduling regular checkups and dental cleanings is crucial. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that adults visit the dentist at least twice a year. These regular dental cleanings help remove stains and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the jaw to the skull. When these joints are strained, overused, or damaged, it can cause pain and restricted jaw movement. This condition is known as TMJ dysfunction or TMD (temporomandibular disorder).
We gladly handle claims for most major dental insurance providers. We are in-network with numerous PPO benefit plans and MassHealth.
Yes, dental decay can start as soon as children get their teeth. Since decay progresses more quickly in children, regular x-rays as advised by the dentist are recommended.
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- Lowers the risk of tooth decay and cavities
- Decreases the likelihood of gum disease
- Eliminates stains
- Freshens breath
- Enhances overall health