Oral cancer is one of the many cancers that can impact patients. Although it appears to get much less attention than other cancers, such as skin cancer or breast cancer, that doesn’t mean that it is nothing to worry about. Oral cancer is estimated to be responsible for killing one person each hour of every day, and that’s only in the United States. Around the world, these numbers are considerably higher when considering the world population. Many cases of oral cancer are not caught until they’ve advanced, which makes oral cancer screenings with our Oakville, ON area dentists incredibly important.
Who is at risk of developing oral cancer?
While oral cancer is known for affecting patients over the age of 40, it can still be a problem for the younger generation. There are several risk factors for patients to take into consideration when it comes to the likelihood of someone developing oral cancer in their lifetime. Some risks include patients who:
- Have HPV16 (Human Papillomavirus)
- Are over the age of 40
- Are or have been long-time tobacco users
- Are moderate to heavy drinkers of alcohol
- Have genetic factors and a hereditary predisposition
- Have had skin cancer on the lips or near the mouth
How is oral cancer detected?
At Sherwood Dental,
Drs. Stephen Gaines and
Arti Patel offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings to evaluate patients and catch signs of cancer early enough for successful intervention. During routine appointments and special oral cancer screenings, our team will evaluate all areas of the mouth to look for signs of cancer. This includes the inside of the mouth, underneath the tongue, and around the throat. Our team is looking for unusual sores or red and white patches that may be indicative of oral cancer. If an area of concern is found, a biopsy is taken and sent to a laboratory for further evaluation and a definitive diagnosis.
Schedule your oral cancer screening today
Patients in the area of Oakville, ON who are interested in obtaining an oral cancer screening appointment can call the office of Sherwood Dental at 844-951-8855 and visit at 2892 South Sheridan Way. Our team is readily available for new and current patients and can assist with general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry solutions.
