Oral cancer is often associated with tobacco and alcohol use. If you eat well, exercise, and have good oral hygiene, you might think you are safe from oral cancer. But this could be a false belief.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we frequently encounter patients who are unaware that oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks is not only recommended for high-risk patients, but all patients. And it’s important for healthy non-smokers to know why.
Oral Cancer is More than Tobacco and Alcohol
Oral cancer includes cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Although smoking and drinking alcohol are the big ones, they’re not the only factors.
Increasingly, oral cancers are being attributed to the human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically, HPV-16. This means it’s possible to get oral cancer even if you don’t smoke or drink.
Other contributing factors include:
- Exposure to the sun (lips)
- Genetic predisposition
- Age (risk increases over time)
- Weakened immune system
These risk factors mean that oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks is no longer reserved for those at higher risk. It’s a preventative measure for all.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of oral cancer can be a life-saver. Unfortunately, early oral cancer may not cause symptoms. Symptoms may only be evident in the more advanced stages.
Early detection offers:
- Higher survival rates
- Less invasive treatment options
- Reduced recovery time
- Better overall outcomes
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we stress the importance of oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks as it enables us to detect irregularities early.
What to Expect from an Oral Cancer Screening
If you have never had one, you may be wondering what it entails. Well, it takes just a few minutes, is painless, and is a part of a regular dental checkup.
At Sherman Oaks oral cancer screening, we:
- Look at your lips, tongue, gums, and the inside of your cheeks
- Examine the roof and floor of your mouth
- Pay attention to the presence of red or white patches, sores, or bumps
- Palpate for bumps or unusual growths
- Check your throat and jaw
This simple test takes a mere few minutes, but could save you a lifetime of health problems.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
While you might feel well, you shouldn’t ignore: These include:
- Open sores in the mouth that don’t heal
- Unknown bleeding in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic sore throat
- Thickened or lumps in the mouth or neck
- Unexplained pain or numbness
Should you experience any of these symptoms, an oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks is all the more important.
Increasing Oral Cancer in Non-Smokers
In fact, recent research reveals a rise in the number of cases of oral cancer in non-smokers and non-drinkers. A key contributor to oral cancers is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
This trend underlines an important issue: you can never be too careful.
We at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks have witnessed the power of early screening for problems in patients who otherwise show no symptoms. That’s why we suggest oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks no matter what.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
Adults should have a screening each year. But, in some cases, we may recommend more frequent screenings, depending on your risk factors.
If you think you may need to have regular oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks, you:
- Are over 40
- Have a history of HPV
- Spend significant time in the sun
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have any changes in your mouth
We base screening on your needs to provide the best preventive care possible.
Prevention Still Plays a Key Role
Screenings are important but so is prevention. Here are some ways to lower your risk:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Use lip balm with SPF
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Be vaccinated against HPV (if needed)
Despite these precautions, it’s vital to have oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks as part of your regular health care regimen.
A Simple Step That Can Save Lives
Visits to the dentist are more than just dental hygiene. They are a chance to assess the health of your mouth, including for serious diseases.
And by offering you an oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks as part of your regular dental care, we can:
- Monitor changes over time
- Catch abnormalities early
- Provide peace of mind
It’s a small step with a potentially big payoff.
Why Choose a Preventive Approach?
Relying on symptoms to detect cancer is not a good idea. Early detection and prevention are a better approach. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we’re committed to educating and empowering our patients. Oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks is an excellent way to do that.
Conclusion
You can’t avoid oral cancer just because you’re a healthy non-smoker. HPV, genetics and age mean that no one is immune. Just because you don’t have symptoms, it doesn’t mean you don’t have cancer.
That’s why we urge all our patients to include oral cancer screening in Sherman Oaks as part of their dental checkups. It takes no time, is painless, and very important for early detection.
We at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks are dedicated to safeguarding your smile and health. Early care today can save the day in the future.