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Posts for tag: Oral Cancer Screenings

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

By Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA

March 06, 2020

Category: Oral Health

Tags: Oral Cancer Screenings

How an oral cancer screening from your dentist in Shelby, North Carolina can help keep you healthy.

You may know a lot about oral cancer, but did you know your dentist can help prevent and diagnose oral cancer? It’s true. That’s why you need to know about the importance of oral cancer screenings. Dr. Joseph R. Hendrick Jr. in Shelby, North Carolina includes an oral cancer screening in his new patient and routine patient examinations, to help keep you healthy.

Oral cancer is more common than you think, especially among people who use tobacco products. Early diagnosis is critical to both treating and surviving oral cancer. By catching oral cancer early, it helps prevent oral cancer from spreading to other areas of your body.

You can regularly check for oral cancer by using a small mouth mirror. Look at the roof of your mouth, under your tongue, along your lips, and the inside of your cheeks. You should be looking for:

Rough, thick areas of tissue
White or red patches
Open sores that don’t heal

If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your dentist right away. You should also see your dentist as soon as you can if you are experiencing:

Tenderness or numbness on your lips or in your mouth
Recurrent soreness or irritation in your mouth
Pain when you speak, swallow, or chew
Frequent sore throats or hoarseness
Problems moving your jaw or tongue

Your dentist performs a thorough oral cancer screening at exam appointments. The oral cancer screening typically involves your dentist checking your oral structures including your gums, cheeks, all surfaces of your tongue, and the roof of your mouth. If Dr. Hendrick notices any questionable areas, he may recommend taking a sample of tissue and sending it off for a biopsy just to make sure the tissue is normal.

Your dentist is your partner in preventing oral cancer. To find out more about oral cancer and how an oral cancer screening can protect you, call Dr. Joseph R. Hendrick Jr. in Shelby, North Carolina at (704) 484-0077. Protect your health by calling today.

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