Oral Cancer Screenings
In America, approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cancer are detected every year. At our Ann Arbor dental practice, we perform quick oral cancer screenings utilizing visual inspection and manual palpation. During the painless screening, our Ann Arbor dentists will check your mouth for abnormalities in the mucosal tissues of your lips, mouth, and upper throat.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
There are several known risk factors linked to the development of . Such factors include:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Family history of oral cancer
- Repeated exposure to the sun without SPF protection
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Age (risk increases after age 55)
- Gender (more common for men)
Oral Cancer Symptoms
The bottom line is that if caught early, oral cancer is much easier to treat. If you notice anything unusual while brushing or flossing your teeth, please notify our dentists. We can take a better look and perform a screening if needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Never put off seeking care from our dentists if you have any of the below .
Common symptoms associated with oral cancer include:
- Red, white, or speckled patches in the mouth
- Lumps, bumps, or rough spots on the lips, gums, cheek, or other soft areas inside the mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth with no known cause
- Numb or painful feeling in the face, mouth, or neck
- Sore throat
- Trouble swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the jaw and tongue
- Swelling or pain in jaw
Call Liberty Dental Today
If you’re concerned about a possible symptom or are at risk for oral cancer, give our , a call today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment. We’ll get to the bottom of the situation and do our best to keep your smile healthy.