Oral cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, and every year thousands of people die from this cancer without ever knowing they had it. To combat this, all Canadian Dental Associations recommend that you get an oral cancer screening in Kelowna at least once every year, particularly if you are age 50 or older, or have a history of heavy smoking or alcohol consumption. Screenings typically include visual inspection of your mouth and tongue by your dentist, which can lead to early detection and removal of pre-cancerous lesions before they turn into cancerous tumours.

Oral cancer, though relatively rare, can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. The good news is that oral cancer has one of the highest cure rates of any type of cancer – provided it’s caught early enough! Your dentist can screen you for oral cancer  during your next checkup, so take time to learn about the three most important reasons why getting an oral cancer screening at the dentist is essential to your health and wellness.

#1. PREVENTION (Can oral cancer screening prevent oral cancer?)

Many people fail to get oral cancer screenings in West Kelowna, but they’re an easy way to catch possible problems before they become a major problem. Kelowna Oral cancer screening isn’t meant to replace your normal oral care routine (it just complements it). Your dentist can spot trouble spots that you may have missed during a routine dental checkup and may suggest ways for you to make changes to your routine, such as brushing your teeth more often or adding flossing. However, there is one surefire way of spotting all potential issues—getting a professional oral cancer screening in West Kelowna from a dental professional.

Oral cancer can also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as diabetes. Because these diseases are treatable, if oral cancer is caught early enough, it’s easier to treat and eradicate. Your dental hygienist or dentist in Kelowna may suggest an oral cancer screening if you’re over 50 years old and haven’t had one in two years. However, no matter your age or whether you had a previous oral cancer screening in Kelowna, keeping up with your regular cleanings every six months is a good idea. Getting teeth cleanings twice per year greatly reduces your risk of developing gum disease and other ailments that may result in periodontal disease.

#2. EARLY DETECTION (Does early detection make a difference for survival rate?)

Early detection is critical to survival rates and preventing oral cancer. In fact, 90% of oral cancers are diagnosed in late stages when they have already begun to spread to other areas of your body. A great way to help prevent early detection is by getting a regular dental exam every six months. Early detection is one of three important reasons why you should get an oral cancer screening at your West Kelowna dentist’s office.

Another important reason is CONFIDENCE (How do I feel about my smile?). Getting an oral cancer screening can also boost your confidence because it allows you to know for sure that there are no oral health issues that could affect your smile or overall health. If there were any problems, you would be able to address them before they got worse. Many people who have gotten their oral cancer screenings say that knowing for sure that everything is okay makes them feel more confident about their smiles and themselves as a whole.

#3. IMPROVED TREATMENT (Can oral cancer be treated effectively?)

An oral cancer screening in West Kelowna is one of several tests you may need if your dentist suspects you have oral cancer. Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can develop in your lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. While it’s less common than other types of cancers, it’s also one of the most deadly cancers since symptoms don’t usually appear until it’s in its late stages. But with early detection and a biopsy, chances are good that it can be cured. If not caught early enough and completely removed by surgery or chemotherapy (oral cancer treatment), your risk for recurring disease or death increases dramatically.

Kelowna Oral cancer screenings help dentists detect oral cancer before it spreads to other parts of your body. It’s important to get regular oral cancer screenings because there are often no symptoms to indicate you have oral cancer until it has reached an advanced stage, which makes treating it more difficult. Oral cancer screenings aren’t just for those who use tobacco products; anyone who wants to lower their risk should schedule an appointment with their dentist to learn more about how they can protect themselves from developing oral cancer.

Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna BC can provide oral cancer screenings regularly. Schedule yours ASAP.