Oral cancer screening - Your Dentistree Mornington

1/4 of oral cancer diagnosis occurs in healthy, non-smoking people. That means oral cancer can happen to anyone at any time.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in any region of in or around the mouth. This includes the mouth, gums, throat and other soft tissue such as the tongue, lips and cheeks. Cancerous tissue can spread from the mouth to other regions of the body starting from your jaw and lymph nodes. 

Oral cancer has a high survival rate of up to 80 to 90% when detected at its early stages and addressed immediately. That’s why it’s so important to have routine dental examinations to avoid late detection of oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

• Lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol use
• Sexually transmitted virus
• Sun exposure
• Older age

Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

• Red and white patches in the mouth
• Lumps and bumps inside the mouth
• Ulcers or sores that do not heal or bleed easily
• Pain when chewing and swallowing 
• Loose teeth
• Numbness or tenderness in the mouth

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

• Early detection increases survival rate – this means less invasive treatment and less interference with your quality of life
• Can happen to anyone at any time – live your life to the fullest with peace of mind
• Professional monitoring – any suspicious regions will be monitored for changes with our intraoral photographs

Oral Cancer Screening At Your Dentistree Mornington

As a holistic patient-centred clinic, we are passionate about looking beyond the teeth and gums. This means assessing your head, neck and soft tissue such as your tongue and cheeks for any suspicious or abnormal lesions. Oral cancer screening is routine and forms part of your dental check up and clean appointment. We are dedicated to holistic patient care and have trained eyes to locate any potential features of oral cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms or oral cancer or would like professional assessment, make an appointment with Your Dentistree Mornington today!