Schedule Your 2020 Oral Cancer Screening!

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will likely be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Of that number, nearly half will succumb to the disease in just five years time. The reason? In most cases, the disease is rarely diagnosed until the later stages. But if you undergo routine oral cancer screenings with your Austin, MN, dentists, you increase the chances for an early diagnosis!

The Warning Signs of Trouble

How do you recognize the warning signs of issues like oral cancer? You should alert your dentist to any sudden changes to your smile, such as changes in your voice, a sore throat or hoarseness that doesn’t go away, or rough patches in your mouth. Lesions or sores that don’t heal after two weeks are also concerning, as are areas of red and white splotches and unexplained weight loss. Prolonged tenderness and pain in and around your mouth is also a common indicator of trouble as well. If you encounter one or more of these issues in between your six-month visits, then contact our team right away to schedule an exam.

The Dangers or Infrequent Screenings

Without routine exams and screenings, then oral cancer could grow more and more severe, eventually posing a major threat for your oral health and increasing the likelihood of a full recovery. When you attend your screening, we use advanced digital technology to perform detailed examinations of your gums and oral structures, identifying possible cancerous and precancerous areas. If we do discover an area of concern, we can refer you to a specialist for a biopsy and to discuss possible treatment options. Remember, we recommend a visit at least once a year for a screening, and this will be performed during one of your two annual checkup visits.

Keeping Your Smile Safe

While oral cancer can impact adults of all ages, people who smoke and drink excessively could be at a particularly high risk. We suggest avoiding tobacco products of all kinds, as you not only increase your risk of multiple forms of cancer, but you also prevent periodontitis, a major factor in tooth loss, and also bad breath and teeth stains. Avoid tobacco products completely, and drink with moderation to help keep yourself safe and healthy. If you have any questions, contact our team today.

YOUR AUSTIN, MN, DENTISTS WANT TO SEE YOU FOR A SCREENING

Your routine checkup visits are essential for keeping your smile strong, and maintaining good overall oral health as well. To learn more about our preventive dental visits, then schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312. Our office welcomes patients from Austin, MN and surrounding communities.