Regular dental visits aren't just important to protect yourself from tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Richard Romay and Dr. Martha Barrera your dentists at Design a Smile in Miami, FL, help patients with oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer screenings can save your life!
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of your regular dental visits. According to the CDC, twice as many men as women get head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancers are also more likely to be diagnosed in people over 50.
According to the CDC, HPV is believed to cause 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and tonsils) putting young, non-smokers at a higher risk than ever. Safe sex practices lower your chances of exposure to HPV.
Even if you are not at an elevated risk, screenings can recognize early signs of cancer and save lives.
Some warning signs of oral cancer are:
- Mouth sores that don't heal
- Jaw pain
- Swollen jaw
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking
- Ear pain
- Persistent sore throat
- Chronic bad breath
- A lump or thickening of tissue in the mouth or on the neck
- Unexplained bleeding from the mouth
Always contact your dentist in Miami, FL, if you see or notice anything that concerns you. Some risk factors that contribute to oral cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Your dentist will recommend quitting smoking or any tobacco use and reducing alcohol intake.
Be aware of these warning signs of oral cancer and schedule regular dental appointments to protect yourself against tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Dr. Romay and Dr. Barrera at Design a Smile in Miami, FL, screen for oral cancer and want you to stay vigilant! Contact us on 40th Street at (305) 667-8887, and on 88th Street at (305) 408-3388.