Oral cancer is part of a group of cancers commonly called head and neck cancers. The thing about cancer is that the earlier it’s caught, the more likely a patient will be able to treat it and survive. The longer it goes undetected, the chance of survival decreases. This is why early detection is so important, no matter the type of cancer.
Where does the dentist come in when it comes to cancer? The dentist is actually the first line of defense against fighting and detecting oral cancer. Dentists who are able to do screenings for the deadly disease will be able to catch oral cancer in its early stages, making it easier to treat. If dentists can do aggressive and comprehensive cancer screenings of the mouth, it could save lives by catching it while it’s still in early stages. Studies have shown that less than 25% of regular dentist goers will get the cancer screening for their mouth.
Smiles of Bellevue, a family dentist in Bellevue, is one of the few dental practices that performs an extensive examination on each patient, including oral cancer screenings. We want all of our patients to walk away healthier and smiling brighter. We cannot ensure those results if we do not thoroughly investigate everyone’s mouth.
Dental examinations are not just about cavities and crowns anymore. Going to the dentist can be a matter of life or death when cancer comes into play. Extensive examinations, like the ones Smiles of Bellevue provide with cancer screenings, will literally save lives. Click here to read more about what constitutes a thorough oral examination and oral cancer screening. Visit Smiles of Bellevue in the Washington area to get your oral cancer screening today.
