As the year winds down, it is important to make sure that all your oral health care ducks are in a row so to speak. This includes making sure you’ve done everything you can to protect your mouth from any oral health hazards that have arrived, or to prepare for ones that could potentially occur in the future. It is also important to make sure you have had regular check-ups this year, including bi-annual professional cleanings, and an oral cancer screening.
If you have not yet had a screening for oral cancer, it is important to do a self-check to determine if any symptoms are present. However, even if you have no symptoms, oral cancer can still thrive undetected in your body.
Any irregularities or abnormalities spotted on your head, neck, face, or jaw areas may be linked to oral cancer. Furthermore, issues with frequent bleeding or wounds that will not heal can also arise due to the presence of oral cancer.
If your mouth feels odd or breathing is difficult or labored, it is important to take note of. Oral cancer can lead to decreased functions such as these, along with speaking, breathing, swallowing, eating difficulties. Furthermore, oral cancer can lead to a persistent sore throat and the feeling of a lump in the back of your throat. If you are displaying any symptoms of oral cancer, see your dentist for an oral cancer screening.
If you would like to speak with Dr. Anthony Shaia and our team about oral cancer screenings, please schedule an appointment at our dentist office of Shaia Dental Care in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, by calling 440-884-9898. The best smiles begin as soon as you start caring for them.