Did you know that oral cancer claims one life every hour in the U.S.? The good news is that identifying it early can make all the difference. At Anderson Family Dental, we make it our mission to help you stay healthy and informed. That’s why we provide oral cancer screenings in Winter Park, FL, as part of your routine dental care. With oral cancer rates increasing year by year and the major causes of oral cancer changing, we are here to provide some important information to help you stay healthy.
WHAT MAKES ORAL CANCER SO DANGEROUS?
Oral cancer has higher death rates than many other common types of cancer. However, beyond putting your life at risk, oral cancer is also incredibly disfiguring and can affect your life in ways you may not expect.
Many oral cancer treatments require removing portions of the tongue, lips, cheeks, or jaws. This can make it difficult to eat, speak, or smile while taking a serious toll on your confidence and mental health.
Unfortunately, 84% of oral cancer cases are identified late, when survival rates drop significantly. For that reason, we make it as easy as possible to get routine oral cancer screenings in Winter Park, FL.
WHAT CAUSES ORAL CANCER?
There are many potential causes of oral cancer. The most common are:
Chewing tobacco, betel nut, or paan
Heavy alcohol use
HPV
Previous history of other types of cancer
Frequent exposure to lots of sunlight, which can cause cancer on the lips
A weakened immune system from immunosuppressant medications or conditions
However, in many cases, the cause of a person’s oral or throat cancer can be unclear. Because cancers have a strong genetic component, the best plan is to eliminate as many risk factors from your lifestyle as possible to decrease your overall cancer risk.
HPV: A SURPRISING CAUSE OF ORAL CANCER
You might think smoking or heavy drinking are the only causes of oral cancer, but there’s another big culprit: HPV (human papillomavirus). In fact, HPV causes 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S.
The problem is that HPV frequently causes no symptoms, so many people never realize they have it. While HPV usually resolves on its own, it can stay dormant in your system for years before being reactivated and putting your health at risk. That’s why everyone, whether you smoke or not, should get regular oral cancer screenings.
With HPV becoming the main cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the US, even living a healthy lifestyle may not significantly decrease your oral cancer risks in some cases. The good news is that the HPV vaccine is effective at protecting against the types of HPV that cause oral cancer as well as cervical cancer, as well as many other types. In fact, the vaccine can offer some protection even if you have already been exposed to HPV!
ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS IN WINTER PARK: PART OF OUR COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PREVENTATIVE DENTISTRY
Regular preventive dental visits are an essential part of keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. They are also a critical opportunity for us to evaluate all aspects of your oral health and catch problems as early as possible.
We have made it part of our oral exams to look for signs of oral cancer at every check-up. Consistent monitoring lets us know your normal state so we’ll notice any changes as early as possible.
Here’s what to expect from an oral cancer screening in Winter Park, FL.
A visual check. We’ll look for any unusual skin textures, discoloration, visible lumps, or sores on your lips, cheeks, tongue, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your throat and tonsil areas.
A physical check. We’ll gently feel the tissues in your mouth and neck for abnormalities, such as enlarged lymph nodes, lumps, or swelling.
A closer look. If we notice anything unusual, we may recommend a biopsy, where we collect a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope. In some cases, we may refer you to a specialist for a closer look.
Oral cancer screening is a comfortable process that takes just a few minutes but can provide significant peace of mind.
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE