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Protect Your Health with Routine Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer isn’t something most people think about during their regular dental visits, but it should be. This serious condition can develop quietly, showing few symptoms until it’s advanced. Regular screenings are a simple yet essential step in protecting your health. Heritage Dental & Orthodontics offers thorough oral cancer screenings in San Antonio, helping detect potential issues early when they’re most treatable.
Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.
Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity.
In fact, sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. This is especially important when it comes to your child’s dental health. In October 2016, the Centers for Disease Control released a report on the importance of sealants for school-aged children, of which only 43% of children ages 6-11 have. According to the CDC, “school-age children without sealants have almost three times more cavities than children with sealants.”
You may have many questions about sealants, and we have answers for you below. Read on to learn more about sealing out tooth decay.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer affects thousands of people every year, but early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Screenings allow professionals to identify abnormalities long before they become serious problems. Many risk factors, like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and even genetics, increase the likelihood of oral cancer, but even those without risk factors can benefit from regular screenings. Prevention and early action are key to staying ahead of this disease.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
The process is quick, non-invasive, and can be completed during your regular dental checkup.
- Visual Examination: A detailed look at your lips, tongue, gums, and throat is performed to spot unusual patches, sores, or discoloration.
- Palpation: The dentist gently feels for lumps or irregularities in the neck, jawline, and other areas.
- Advanced Techniques: When necessary, special lights or dyes are used to highlight areas of concern that may not be visible during a standard exam.
When Should You Get Screened?
If you’re a smoker, drink frequently, or have a family history of cancer, you’re at a higher risk and should prioritize annual screenings. For everyone else, incorporating a screening into your routine dental visits is a simple way to ensure peace of mind and safeguard your health.
Take the Next Step for Your Health
Oral cancer screenings are a small effort with potentially life-saving results. Call Heritage Dental & Orthodontics in San Antonio today to schedule your screening and take a proactive step toward protecting your well-being.