General & Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening
A serious disease that you need to know about
A serious disease that you need to know about
Around 50,000 people a year are diagnosed with oral cancer, which is any cancer located in the mouth including on the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, and throat. While this type of cancer is not considered the deadliest, it can be quite debilitating if not treated early and will eventually cause death if not treated at all.
The good news is that oral cancer is treatable and survival rates are quite high. Even better news is that your dentist and hygienist are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and will conduct an oral cancer screening as part of your regular hygiene examination and cleaning.
The importance of preventive care
We cannot say this enough — prevention is the most important strategy for your oral health and overall well-being. One of the preventive services we offer at Chichetti & Patel Dental Wellness is oral cancer screening, because early diagnosis means better treatment outcomes.
Besides visiting us for regular checkups, you can do other things to reduce your risk for oral cancer.
- Do not smoke, use any type of tobacco product, or vape pens
- Make a habit of applying sunscreen on your face and lips daily, especially when you plan to go outside for any reason
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time
- Avoid prolonged, intense sun exposure
- Eat a well-balanced diet and limit alcohol consumption
Be aware of what is happening inside and around your mouth. Please do not ignore these oral cancer symptoms:
- loose teeth
- sore on your lip, tongue, gums, or cheek that won’t heal
- a lump or abnormal growth or white or red patches inside your mouth
- persistent mouth or ear pain
- painful or difficult swallowing
If you do notice any of these symptoms, please contact us right away for an examination. One of our dentists will conduct a thorough screening of your mouth and refer you to an oral cancer specialist if needed.
Your health is important to us
Dr. Joe Chichetti and Dr. Reena Patel offer oral cancer screening in Charlotte, North Carolina to help diagnose oral cancer as early as possible. As oral cancer is easily treatable when diagnosed in the early stages, identifying it and beginning treatment quickly is crucial to restoring your oral health. Call Chichetti & Patel Dental Wellness at (704) 548-1818 to learn more and make an appointment with our dentists.
