At Bozeman Dentistry near Belgrade, MT, one of our important general dentistry services is oral cancer screenings. We recommend our patients receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year at a regular checkup.
Our dentistry believes in comprehensive care that can spot serious conditions quickly—on and off the dentist’s chair. Here are the steps that we can take for cancer prevention in our dentistry.
Oral Cancer At Bozeman Dentistry
Oral cancer is a serious disease. You may not think of visiting a dentist to spot signs of cancer, but preventive care in our office is a great step because we offer:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Give yourself cancer and general dentistry prevention all in one visit. Many of the tools we use in general checkups also help us spot oral cancer.
- Expertise: Dr. McCormick and our team of dental hygienists come with decades of specialization in teeth and general oral health.
- A Comfortable Environment: Bozeman Dentistry strives to create an affirming environment that helps patients in whatever stage they are in with their health.
Understanding Oral Cancer
To accurately spot and treat oral cancer effectively, our dentist has special training on detecting oral cancer. While cancer can feel like a scary word, we can at least make the process easier by discussing what to be on the eye out for.
Here is a brief overview of the disease and what to expect as you schedule regular oral cancer screenings.
Symptoms
If you experience any of the following symptoms it could be a sign of oral cancer. While these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have oral cancer, you may want to come in for an oral cancer screening.
- Slow-healing mouth sores
- White or reddish patches in the mouth
- Pain in the jaw or tongue
- Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A sore throat
- Experiencing a feeling like something is caught in your throat
Risk Factors
Patients in these demographics have a higher risk of gum disease:
- HPV patients: Prior or current HPV patients should be regularly screened for cancer.
- Male patients: Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer.
- Patients over 40: Oral cancer tends to affect older patients.
- Consumers of Alcohol: Regular alcohol consumption can contribute to oral cancer.
How We Spot It
Bozeman Dentistry is able to spot oral cancer through our advanced dental technology. Technology in the health field has made impressive strides in recent years in spotting oral cancer. Be sure to choose a dentist with up-to-date technology to get the best results.
As we scan your teeth for general dentistry concerns such as cavities and gum infection, we can also check for signs of oral cancer around the same areas. Oral cancer screening is a quick and straightforward part of our dentistry practice.
No Symptoms? Still, Play It Safe
Oral cancer screenings are fast, efficient, and available to all our patients. During a regular appointment, Dr. McCormick will check for signs of mouth cancer and make sure that you are experiencing optimal oral health.
The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more treatable the disease is. At Bozeman Dentistry, Dr. McCormick and his staff are dedicated to protecting your oral health, and looking out for your general well-being. We want to make sure that our patients are getting the best possible care and that they receive the oral cancer screening that could make a difference.
Reduce Your Risk For Oral Cancer
Be sure to always take proper precautions to protect yourself from the adverse effects of oral cancer. We’ve listed below some steps you can take today to help reduce this risk:
- Establish a healthy diet: Set up a healthy diet with ample fruits and vegetables. Diet changes can go a long way in many aspects of your oral health.
- Avoid too much sun: When working outdoors for long periods of time, be sure to take the time to apply sunscreen and other preventative measures.
- Eliminate unhealthy habits: Excessive tobacco, cigars, and pipes can significantly increase your risk of oral cancer. We recommend avoiding these habits to reduce risks.
Catch Mouth Cancer Early In Bozeman
To find out more about our oral screening process, or to schedule an appointment to have your mouth screened for oral cancer, contact us today at our Bozeman dentist office near Belgrade MT. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have or to arrange for a consultation.