Our comprehensive dentist near you at SmilePro Dental provides oral cancer screening as a stand-alone appointment, as part of your comprehensive exam, or professional dental cleaning appointment. Why is the broad availability of this screening near you essential to your long-term health? Because more than three million cases are diagnosed in the US each year. If you'd like to make oral cancer screening a part of your annual well-health appointments, we invite you to make an appointment with Dr. Sunen Pandya for a screening near you.
Facts About Oral Cancer
One of the most alarming facts about oral cancer is that patients do not easily notice early symptoms at home. And, since this type of cancer can affect all ages and genders, with or without a history of smoking tobacco, this fact is important. That said, some of the symptoms reported by patients who have been diagnosed with oral cancer include:
- A sore in your mouth (cheek, gums, roof, and tongue) or on your lips that doesn’t heal.
- There is an unexplained red or white patch in any area listed above.
- One or more teeth that seem loose.
- Pain in your mouth, jaw joints, or ears when eating, swallowing, or speaking.
- Lump, bump, or other abnormality inside your mouth or near your oral cavity.
- Painful or difficulty when swallowing.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that anyone having any of the above symptoms for more than two weeks make an appointment with their doctor or dentist for oral cancer screening.
When you’re in our office for your screening appointment, our dentist will also be looking for other causes of your symptoms. Two examples might be gum disease for loose teeth or teeth grinding for painful ears and jaw joints – but in each case, an exam and diagnosis are needed to eliminate oral cancer as a possibility.
Get the Peace of Mind You Deserve
Rather than continue to wonder if the symptoms you’ve noticed (or those you may have not yet noticed) are early signs of oral cancer, please call SmilePro Dental today for oral cancer screening in Stockton, CA.
