What does Dr. Taylor Massey actually check for during an oral cancer screening? You know that it’s important for you to visit your dentist every six months if you’d like to keep your teeth healthy and strong—but do you know what actually happens during these treatments? Typically, we’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and inspect your pearly whites for signs of trouble—such as oral cancer. This cancer screening is very important, but do you know what it actually entails?
Nearly 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, but treatment tends to be far more successful if the disease is caught early. Our dentist will also ask you a few questions during your oral cancer screening. Generally, you’ll be asked about how often you smoke or drink, since both of these practices can leave you more vulnerable to oral cancer.
There are a few visual signs you could spot that could be indicators of oral cancer. If you notice red or white spots or strange sores anywhere in your mouth, including on your gums, cheeks, lips, or on your neck, please schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. However, even if you don’t notice any of these signs, please remember to visit our team for a cleaning once every six months since certain abnormalities could be invisible.
Oral cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages since it doesn’t always cause pain or concerning symptoms. It’s crucial to leave detection to the trained eyes of the professionals at Palm Harbor Family Dentistry. Dr. Taylor Massey scans for oral cancer at every routine appointment. To learn more about oral cancer screenings, call or book an appointment online.
