What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in the mouth and surrounding oral tissues, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and roof of the mouth.
Your regular dental check-up is about more than just checking your teeth. As part of a comprehensive dental examination, your dentist will also assess the soft tissues of your mouth for any unusual changes that may require further investigation.
At Aberdeen Dental Centre in Albany, WA, we believe prevention and early detection are key parts of maintaining good oral health. Regular dental visits allow our team to monitor your mouth health and provide advice if any concerns are identified.
What are the common symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations are important. Some signs that should be checked by a dental professional include:
Mouth ulcers or sores that do not heal
Red or white patches inside the mouth
Unusual lumps, swelling, or thickened areas
Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
Numbness or changes in sensation in the mouth or lips
Unexplained changes to your voice
These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but it is important to have any ongoing changes assessed by a dentist or healthcare professional.
How does an oral cancer screening work?
An oral cancer screening, also known as an oral mucosal screening, is a quick and non-invasive examination performed during your dental appointment.
Your dentist will carefully examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, and other areas, looking for any changes that may need monitoring or further assessment.
If anything unusual is found, your dentist will discuss the next steps with you, which may include further investigation or referral to an appropriate specialist.
Why is it important to screen for mouth cancer?
Early detection of oral health changes can make a significant difference in managing potential problems. Regular oral cancer screenings help dentists identify unusual changes early, allowing appropriate advice, monitoring, or referral when required.
Including an oral mucosal assessment as part of your regular dental check-up is an important step in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.
Detect mouth cancer early with an oral cancer screening at Aberdeen Dental Centre
At Aberdeen Dental Centre in Albany, WA, our experienced dental team provides comprehensive dental care for individuals and families throughout the Albany community.
During your dental examination, we take the time to assess your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to help detect potential concerns early and keep your smile healthy.
We are proud to be a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, Medibank, and Bupa, helping eligible patients maximise their health fund benefits and access quality dental care.
If you are looking for a trusted dentist in Albany WA or would like to book an oral cancer screening, contact the friendly team at Aberdeen Dental Centre today.