Do I have to go to my primary care physician for an oral cancer check?
No. In fact, one of the compelling reasons for regular—twice a year, at least—dental checkups is that your dentist is trained to detect the signs of oral cancer or its pre-cancerous warning signs. It’s a serious matter.
The American Dental Association estimates more than 10,000 Americans die each year as a result of oral cancer.
You should be watchful for any change of texture, sensation or color in any part of your mouth and report it to your dentist immediately. However vigilant you are, though, the person best equipped to spot the signs of oral cancer is your dentist. By virtue of education, training, experience, familiarity with your mouth, and modern equipment, your dentist is most likely to be the first to detect something wrong.
When you are looking into your mouth, be on the lookout for white or red patches or a sore that doesn’t heal. As with any type of cancer, early detection is important for a positive outcome.
If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!