Dentists do much more than just clean and repair teeth. They are the first line of defense against a number of health conditions.
A dentist will notice whether a patient has halitosis (bad breath) or bleeding gums. They see ulcers in the mouth, swollen gums, and dry mouth, which can all be linked to larger issues such as diabetes, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, heart or kidney disease, and oral cancer.
Seeing a dentist can help nip these health issues from the start, especially oral cancers. Dentists are the only doctors who examine every surface of a patient’s mouth on a regular basis. Most systemic (body-wide) illnesses are related to oral health in some way.
Dentists Are the First Line of Defense Against Oral Cancer
Dentists examine every tooth, the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the jaw, the tongue, and the throat.
Oral cancer displays very small symptoms initially – a small reddish or whitish patch anywhere in the mouth can be a sign of oral cancer.
If you have mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, moving your tongue, opening / closing your jaws, have noticed that your voice has changed, or feel a lump in the neck – advise your dentist immediately. These can all be early warning signs of diseases like oral cancer.
Oral cancers, due to their proximity to the brain and other important organs, are considered extremely serious. If they spread, their first stop is normally the lymph nodes in the throat.
Why Come Visit Us for an Oral Cancer Screening?
At Marion Smile Center, we use the latest, most up-to-date screening tool for oral cancer. Oral ID uses a special fluorescence light for optical-based technology to examine your mouth and throat. It can aid in identifying oral cancer and other abnormal lesions that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Oral cancer and other lesions caught at an earlier stage can save lives.
Early Warning Stages
The early signs and symptoms of oral cancer are normally not noticed by the patient. That is one reason why oral cancers are so dangerous – they hide in the mouth and can quietly begin to spread. In fact, many patients often mistake that first spot as a cold sore.
So, how can you reduce your risk of oral cancer?
- Have your dentist perform regular oral cancer screenings at 18 years of age and older
- Do not smoke or vape
- Do not use smokeless tobacco (like dip or chew)
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a healthy diet (lean meats, grains, fruits, vegetables)
- Follow a healthy, active lifestyle
- Keep stress to a minimum
- Get plenty of sleep
Special Pricing for Oral Cancer Screening
Here at Marion Smile Center, oral cancer screenings are half off for a limited time: SPECIAL $22 for the entire month of July (1/2 off)! Our practice has many decades of experience serving patients here in the Pittsburgh area, as Dr. Marion has followed in his father’s footsteps as a dentist in Zelienople. Dr. Marion graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine before joining the practice.
Contact us today by calling (724) 452-4300 or request an appointment online, and take advantage of our SPECIAL $22 Oral Cancer Screening. Early detection is the key to prevention and effective treatment.
