Oral cancer is a serious condition that becomes much easier to treat successfully when detected early. Regular screenings during dental checkups can identify concerning changes in your mouth before they develop into life-threatening problems, significantly improving treatment outcomes and quality of life after treatment.
At Dee for Dentist, we incorporate advanced oral cancer screenings into every regular examination and look for subtle changes at every hygiene visit which is why staying regular with hygiene is important. Our team is trained to identify subtle changes and warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed until the cancer has progressed to more dangerous stages. With two convenient locations in Las Vegas, we make prioritizing your oral health simple and accessible.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). It often presents as a persistent sore or growth in the mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
Unlike many other cancers, oral cancer doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in public health discussions. However, it’s a serious condition affecting thousands of Americans each year. The risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure to the lips, previous diagnosis, age over 40, and poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Early-stage oral cancer often produces subtle symptoms that can be easily mistaken for minor mouth issues. Being aware of these warning signs can help you seek prompt medical attention:
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A persistent lump or thickening in the cheek
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining
- A sore throat or feeling something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw/tongue
- Numbness of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth
- Jaw swelling making dentures fit poorly
- Pain in one ear without hearing loss
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment immediately. Early detection is key to successful treatment. This is because when it comes to oral cancer, if symptoms can be seen with the naked eye, the prognosis is not great. This is why we focus on advanced screenings using fluoroscopic light detection (OralID) to catch it earlier.
The Screening Process
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and non-invasive procedures completed in just a few minutes during your regular dental exam. At Dee for Dentist, we use a comprehensive approach, combining visual examination with advanced technology.
The advanced oral cancer screenings we do at Dee for Dentist with OralID enhance our ability to detect abnormalities at their earliest stages. This revolutionary fluorescence technology allows us to see changes in tissue that aren’t visible to the naked eye, helping us identify potential problem areas before they can be seen during a conventional exam.
During the examination, we carefully inspect all surfaces of your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the back of your throat. We also gently palpate your jaw and neck to check for any abnormal lumps or swellings.
Why Regular Screenings Matter
Early detection allows for simpler treatment with less invasive procedures and better functional outcomes. Late-stage oral cancer often requires extensive surgery, significantly impacting your ability to speak, eat, and swallow, dramatically affecting your quality of life.
Professional screenings can identify pre-cancerous conditions before they develop into cancer. Conditions like leukoplakia (white patches) and erythroplakia (red patches) can sometimes be precursors to cancer. Identifying and treating these conditions early can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
Ready for Your Oral Cancer Screening?
Regular oral cancer screenings are an essential part of maintaining not just your oral health but your overall well-being. At Dee for Dentist, we’re committed to providing comprehensive screenings as part of our dedication to preventive dental care with a fun, relatable approach that makes taking care of your smile something to look forward to.
Our team includes an implantologist and specialists who train other dentists on dental laser technology. Dr. Dee is also a specialist in Healthy Start, a program that addresses sleep-disordered breathing in children. With our focus on digital, surgically guided implants and cutting-edge dental technology, we provide modern solutions for all your dental needs. Call us today at (702) 586-7800 for our Silverado Ranch location or (702) 870-3818 for our Medical District office, or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
