Oral cancer screenings are a quick but essential part of maintaining your overall health. For most adults, dentists recommend having an oral cancer screening twice a year, as part of your routine dental exams. However, patients with certain risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Regardless, staying consistent with screenings ensures that any concerning changes are identified and addressed as early as possible.
Identifying Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), or a history of HPV. Even without these risks, regular screenings are important because oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During a screening, your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, throat, cheeks, and lips for any unusual sores, lumps, white spots, or other unusual discoloration. The process is painless, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes. The benefits, meanwhile, can be significant, even life-saving, when a screening leads to early detection.
Preemptive Oral Exams and Screenings in Augusta
If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about oral cancer screenings and how often you should be evaluated, contact Dr. Robert Turner and the excellent West Augusta Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation.