Have you had your oral cancer screening yet? Over 30,000 new oral cancer cases are discovered each year. Unfortunately, many of these cases have already progressed into the dangerous late stages of the disease. Far too many oral cancer patients skip out on the routine dental exams that could have caught the disease in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. Oral cancer screenings are short, painless exams. During the exam, Dr. Long will look for physical warning signs inside of your mouth, and around your face and neck. He will check for abnormalities such as: red or white patches, mouth sores, and lumps. As with other cancers, early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes. Semi-annual oral cancer screenings are the most effective method for finding the disease in its highly curable stages. Protect your oral and overall health; make an appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long for your oral cancer screening today. Long Family Dental is the leading Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly serve families daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. By far, tobacco use is the leading risk factor for oral cancer. However, contraction of the human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is quickly closing the gap as a leading cause of the disease. While there is still a higher incidence of the disease among older people, this shift has increased the number of oral cancer cases among people under 50, making younger people the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients. HPV in oral cancer patients tends to reside in the back of the mouth, in the tonsils, or at the base of the tongue, making it that much more difficult to detect without an oral cancer screening. Excessive alcohol use and excessive sun exposure can also heighten your risk for developing the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment for an oral cancer screening with your general dentist Waxahachie:
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
- White or red patches anywhere in or around the mouth
- Unexplained swelling in the mouth that won’t go away
General Dentist Waxahachie Appointments
Remember, your health is your wealth. Make an investment in your long term wellbeing and schedule an oral cancer screening appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental today. Long Family Dental is a trusted Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly restore smiles daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and nearby areas.