Oral Cancer Screening Provides Early Detection
Signs of oral cancer can often be hard to detect in the early stages. Its subtle symptoms can sneak up on patients, sometimes causing life-threatening damage to their overall health. Luckily, the survival rate increases significantly when the disease is caught early, usually through a routine oral cancer screening. At every preventative dental procedure, Dr. Hart examines each patient’s gums, mouth, tongue, neck, and head for possible signs of oral cancer.
Keep reading to learn more about how regular oral cancer screening at Sweet Hart Dental can protect your health and potentially save your life in our helpful guide. Don’t forget to schedule your next dental checkup with our Pembroke Pines dental team by calling (954) 437-9288. We welcome patients from our surrounding communities, including Hollywood, Davie, and Miramar.
Our Patient-Centered Approach at Sweet Hart Dental
Dr. Hart understands that visiting the dentist for oral cancer screenings or X-rays can be anxiety-provoking for many patients, which is why she has dedicated considerable effort to mastering techniques that create a comfortable, stress-free experience. Her approach extends to patients of all ages, including children, ensuring that families can trust their dental care to someone who prioritizes both clinical excellence and patient comfort. Through her gentle chairside manner and advanced pain management techniques, she helps even the most anxious patients feel at ease during their treatments.
Important Statistics: A Guide to Oral Cancer for Pembroke Pines Patients
These statistics from the American Cancer Society will shed more light on oral cancer and the people it affects.
- In 2019, about 53,000 people will get oral cancer.
- About 20% of those, 10,860 people, will die from the disease
- The death rate has been decreasing for 30 years, partially due to screenings.
- The average age of people diagnosed with oral cancer is 62.
Common Causes of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can occur for a wide variety of reasons, but the following conditions are common among sufferers of the disease:
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Alcohol abuse
- Excessive sun exposure on your lips
- The presence of a sexually transmitted virus called HPV
Symptoms to Look Out For
Dr. Hart knows all of the subtle signs to look for in an oral cancer screening. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately by calling our Pembroke Pines dentist at (954) 437-9288:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the mouth
- Ear discomfort and pain
- A visible lump inside your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Sores in the mouth that don’t heal
Where Does Oral Cancer Develop?
Oral cancer sneaks up on the sufferer, mainly because the early symptoms may be difficult to detect or easy to ignore. The disease can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, inner tissue of the cheeks, under the tongue, or roof of the mouth. This is why an oral cancer screening from Dr. Hart is so important — it can occur in a wide variety of places that may be difficult to see by yourself.
What to Expect From Your Oral Cancer Screening at Sweet Hart Dental
Considering how vital it is, oral cancer screenings are remarkably quick and simple. Dr. Hart will simply conduct a thorough exam, searching for the key signs of oral cancer. She’ll inspect your mouth, head, and neck, and ultimately, you’ll leave our office knowing that you’re free from the problem or are in need of treatment. Although it takes a short time, the screening is extremely important and a standard part of your dental exam at Sweet Hart Dental.
Oral Cancer Screening Can Save Lives
Oral cancer can sneak up on people. Its symptoms are often subtle, and many patients don’t know what to look for or where. Oral cancer screening at our Pembroke Pines dental office helps us detect oral cancer before it progresses too far.
Call (954) 437-9288 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment with our top dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL, serving Hollywood, Davie, and Miramar.