At Bloom Family Dental, our expert dentist in Sheboygan emphasizes the importance of regular oral cancer screenings as a vital part of our comprehensive dental health services. Early detection significantly increases the success rate of treatment, making these screenings your first line of defense against oral cancer.

Comprehensive Oral Cancer Screening

During your oral cancer screening, our experienced dentist will meticulously examine your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We pay close attention to any symptoms you might be experiencing. If you notice any signs of oral cancer persisting for more than a week, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Sheboygan immediately. Symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

• Ear pain
• Unexplained mouth bleeding
• Mouth sores that don’t heal
• White or red patches in your mouth
• Dramatic weight loss
• Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
• Persistent sore throat without other sinus symptoms
• Sensation of something caught in the back of your throat
• Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

Understanding the Risks

Oral cancer claims the life of one American every hour. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase your risk. These include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Unhealthy diet
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Gender (more common in men than women)
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Tobacco use in any form (users are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users)

Importance of Early Detection

The success of oral cancer treatment largely depends on the cancer’s size, type, and stage at detection. Early detection is crucial and can significantly improve survival rates, which range from 80-90% when cancer is found in its early stages. Early or precancerous stages often require less invasive treatments, while later stages may involve larger, more complex interventions and potentially have spread beyond the mouth.

Schedule Your Screening Today

Bloom Family Dental is currently accepting new patients. If you need more information about oral cancer and our screening process, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation with our dentist in Sheboygan, please contact our office. Early detection could save your life don’t wait to get screened.