Oral Cancer and the Importance of Checkups With Your Dentist in Syracuse

While it’s not a cancer that’s at the forefront of most people’s minds, did you know that oral cancer affected more than 45,000 Americans in 2016? Oral cancer is responsible for many deaths each year, not because it’s not treatable, but because it’s typically discovered too late. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and your team at Creative Dental Concepts wants to discuss the importance of checkups with your dentist in Syracuse.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer manifests in the oral cavity and throat region of the body. It can appear in many forms such as:

• A lump or bump in your soft tissue
• Changes in the color of your soft tissue, such as red or white patches
• A sore in your mouth that won’t go away
• Numbness in your mouth or throat
• Pain in your mouth or throat that doesn’t go away

Many of these symptoms are hard to detect on your own, and are often attributed to other issues, which is why oral cancer often remains undiagnosed. If you notice any changes to your mouth or your oral health, it’s important to contact your dental team at Creative Dental Concepts right away and schedule an examination.

Prevention and Oral Cancer

Oral cancer in Syracuse can be treated with the best results in its earliest stages. Your six-month cleaning and checkup are truly your best defense against this disease. Our doctors screen you for it at every checkup with a thorough examination. If we detect anything suspicious, we may order a biopsy to determine if it’s oral cancer.

We encourage our patients to monitor any changes in their mouth or their oral health and contact Creative Dental Concepts right away if they notice anything. By being proactive about your oral health, it gives you the opportunity for the most effective and least invasive treatment.

Contact Our Office

April is oral cancer awareness month, and if it’s time to schedule your next cleaning and examination, or if you’ve noticed any changes with your oral health, please call us today. We look forward to partnering with you to help you achieve and maintain a healthy mouth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.