The year is coming to a close, which means now is a great time to schedule a checkup and receive an oral cancer screening. Thousands will be diagnosed with this disease this year alone. But with a screening from your Syosset, NY, dentist, you can identify areas of concern early and increase your chances of a full recovery.
The Necessity of a Screening
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone. Of that number, half will succumb to the disease in about five years. Why? Well, the disease is rarely caught in the early stage, so by the time people realize something is wrong, oral cancer has reached a more advanced and difficult-to-treat stage. Which is why a screening is so important, as they offer a chance for us to check in at least once a year to watch for signs of cancerous or precancerous areas, so you increase the chances of a full recovery. We offer this as part of our checkup visits!
The Warning Signs of Trouble
The examination involves using advanced technology to make areas of potential trouble clearly visible. We can then discuss a biopsy to see if you need treatment, and recommend specialists you could see as well. Outside of our checkup visits, you should also be aware of potential warning signs. These could include a sore throat, hoarseness, and lesions or sores that heal after two weeks. Headaches, earaches, unexplained weight loss, and changes in your bite and voice could also be warning signs, and shouldn’t be ignored. Common risk factors include the use of tobacco products, excess alcohol consumption or UV light exposure, a family history of oral cancer, and age, as our risk tends to increase the older we get.
Using Your Benefits
If you haven’t used your 2023 dental benefits in full or if you have health savings account funds that remain, don’t let these expire at the end of the month without being used to help your smile. Schedule a visit today to see what benefits you have available and to improve your smile before the holiday season is in full swing. If you have any questions about protecting your smile or about scheduling your oral cancer screening, then contact our team today to learn more. Let’s start your journey to a beautiful and healthy smile today!
Do You Have Questions About Our Advanced and Accurate Screenings?
We would like to help you and your family maintain optimal oral health in this year and beyond. To learn more about protecting your oral health with a regular checkup visit and screening, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
