309-691-8033Be Prepared for Anything with Oral Cancer Screenings from The Smile Center
There are few things more impactful to your physical health than oral cancer. Sadly, over forty thousand Americans a year are affected by oral cancer, killing approximately half of those with the disease within five years of being diagnosed. As devastating a disease as oral cancer can be, the Smile Center of Peoria does everything in its power to catch it and protect our patients from its effects. With our oral cancer screenings, we can identify potential signs of cancer early before its development is too late to reverse.
When Should You Seek Oral Cancer Screenings?
In truth, the Smile Center recommends oral screenings at least twice yearly, along with routine teeth cleanings. It’s essential to stay on top of the potential signs of cancer; the reason for oral cancer’s high fatality rates is primarily due to too late detection. However, you ought to come into our dental office sooner for an oral cancer screening if you notice symptoms such as:
- Mouth sores that heal slowly
- White or reddish patches in the mouth
- Jaw or tongue pain
- Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- A throat that feels sore all the time
- The constant feeling that something is caught in your throat
The Screening Process
Oral cancer screening is a s a relatively straightforward process that doesn’t require much of a patient’s time to implement. Upon arriving for a routine cleaning or dental exam, your dentist will:
- Perform a visual examination to look for lesions or white patches in your mouth and throat.
- Use fingers to feel for lumps around the face, neck and jaw or areas where a patient is sore or tender.
- Use a screening dye or lights to identify abnormal tissue in the mouth.
- Recommend patients to their healthcare provider if a screening warrants further assessment.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening Today
You can never be too careful when looking for signs of oral cancer. Ask the Smile Center about providing oral cancer screenings during your next teeth cleaning. If you are interested in our additional general dentistry services or are looking for additional cosmetic, holistic, or pediatric dentistry services, call 309-691-8033. Our main office is located at 1424 W Glen Ave, Peoria, IL 61614.