To ensure the earliest possible detection of any potential cancers, Dr. Shvets recommends undergoing an oral cancer screening at least once a year. During this screening, our team will meticulously examine your mouth, throat, lips, gums, tongue, and surrounding areas for any abnormalities. It’s crucial to inform us of any symptoms you may have experienced, including difficulties in speaking, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue, the sensation of something caught in your throat, unexplained sore throat, lumps or swellings, drastic weight loss, white or red patches in your mouth, non-healing mouth sores, unexplained ear pain, or unexplained bleeding in your mouth. If you have encountered any of these symptoms persistently for over a week without improvement, we urge you to contact us immediately for an appointment.
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors can increase the risks. Men are more prone to developing oral cancer than women, and tobacco use in any form elevates the risk sixfold. Genetic predisposition, excessive or prolonged sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) are among the other factors that can contribute to oral cancer development.
To learn more about the importance of oral cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination, please don’t hesitate to contact Craft of Dentistry. Your oral health and overall well-being are our top priorities, and we are dedicated to providing exceptional care that prioritizes early detection and prevention.