{"id":277,"date":"2020-04-02T18:20:20","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T18:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.painesvilledentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=277"},"modified":"2020-04-30T01:34:38","modified_gmt":"2020-04-30T01:34:38","slug":"dentist-oral-cancer-regular-checkups-safe-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.painesvilledentalgroup.com\/blog\/dentist-oral-cancer-regular-checkups-safe-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Your Smile Safe from Oral Cancer with Dental Checkups"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a>Dental checkups<\/a> are about so much more than polishing those pearly whites. They\u2019re also a key factor in identifying and treating other problems in your mouth as early as possible. One incredibly important oral health condition your dentist checks for during a routine examination is cancer. Oral cancer affects more than 50,000 Americans every year, and it can be deadly if left untreated. Read on to find out more about this dangerous condition and how regular checkups with your dentist can keep you and your smile healthy.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Understanding Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n

Oral cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, sinuses, or throat. As these cells multiply, they spread and damage the surrounding tissues. The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that there will be roughly 53,000 new cases in the US next year that will result in nearly 10,000 deaths. Although it can be fatal if left undetected, oral cancer is very treatable when discovered in its early stages.<\/p>\n

Regular Dental Checkups & Early Detection<\/h2>\n

Oral cancer screenings are a regular part of your dental checkup every six months. It\u2019s a comfortable and quick procedure, so you may not even recognize when it\u2019s happening! Your dentist has years of specialized training and advanced technology that allow them to investigate your mouth closely for the earliest warning signs of oral cancer. They\u2019ll carefully examine your oral cavity along with your jaw, neck, and face for any irregular bumps, discolorations, or sores.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, like most dental health issues, oral cancer can develop and progress without you initially seeing or feeling it. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to get your dental checkups twice a year even if your smile looks and feels fine. The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.<\/p>\n

Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer<\/h2>\n

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see your dentist right away for an oral cancer screening:<\/p>\n