At FP Dental, all our patients have mouth cancer screening as part of their regular check-ups.
Oral cancer is the result of abnormal cell reproduction in the mouth. At FP Dental, our teams are dedicated to the early detection and prevention of mouth cancer.
What is a mouth cancer screening, and what does it involve?
Our dedicated team will perform an oral cancer screening every time you come in for a check-up. It would be good if you had a screening every 6-12 months.
If you see your dentist on a regular basis, you’ve probably already undergone a cancer screening without even realising it. Your dentist will carefully check your mouth to search for early signs of oral cancer.
To estimate the likelihood of abnormal cell reproduction, we will ask you for information about your lifestyle and general health. Furthermore, we can aid you in making modest changes that will reduce your risk of acquiring oral cancer.
How do you detect oral cancer?
If you are suffering from mouth cancer in its early stages, you might find lumps, patches (red/white/speckled), or spots on your tongue, lips, or gums. A persistent sore or ulcer on your lips or in your mouth, as well as loose teeth, may also indicate an underlying problem.
Other symptoms may include:
- Soreness or discomfort in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lesions within the mouth
- Earache
- Numbness
- Changes in your speech
In the event your dentist notices something unusual, he or she will discuss it with you and schedule a review appointment to evaluate progress or to refer you to a consultant.
What causes mouth cancer?
In the United Kingdom, tobacco and alcohol are the primary causes of oral cancer. Alcohol and tobacco contain carcinogens, which are chemicals capable of destroying DNA in cells and causing cancer. If you drink alcohol or smoke, you are more likely to get mouth cancer. The risk increases if you smoke and drink together.
Other factors include:
- Smokeless tobacco products
- Betel nut chewing with or without tobacco
- Poor diet
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
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