Oral Cancer Detection in Northern Phoenix, AZ
Safeguard Your Health and Smile with Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral health plays a pivotal role in overall health and well-being. Dr. Matthew J Cavendish, DDS, PLLC, and his team of professionals are committed to the highest standards of care. Our dedication spans beyond just teeth. Prioritizing early intervention and preventative treatments, we offer comprehensive oral cancer detection and dental screening treatments in Northern Phoenix, AZ.
Understanding Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer exam is a comprehensive test that meticulously assesses the gums, teeth, and oral structures. Dentists look for precancerous or cancerous abnormalities during an oral cancer test. This allows for early intervention and preventative care to promote long-lasting health for your smile and body as a whole.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Several lifestyle factors and ailments make patients more susceptible. The risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Patients with oral cancer in their family history
- Excessive exposure to direct sunlight
- Failure to wear sunscreen
- Tobacco users and smokers
- Patients with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16)
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Patients may experience symptoms of oral cancer prior to oral cancer detection. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Relentless pain
- Lumps in the cheek
- White or red patches on the tongue, gums, tonsils, or mouth lining
- Sore throat
- Trouble swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness
- Loose teeth
- Swollen jaw
- Neck lumps
- Persistent bad breath
When to Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening
We recommend scheduling oral cancer screenings annually to remain proactive about your oral health. You must schedule an oral cancer screening when you detect any of the above symptoms. Furthermore, if you fall into a high-risk category, it’s best to be diligent about oral cancer detection and pursue dental screenings more frequently.
Oral Cancer Exam Process
Oral cancer detection may be daunting. You can expect a comfortable and prompt process with Dr. Matthew J. Cavendish, DDS, PLLC, and his renowned dental professionals. During your oral cancer test, we will visually and physically examine your mouth, including:
- Inside and outside the lips
- Gums
- All sides of the tongue
- Inside the cheeks
- Roof of the mouth
- Back of the throat
What Types of Exams Do You Offer?
Our dental screenings involve two processes, a visual and physical examination to detect areas of concern. The visual examination assesses areas including the lips, face, neck, inside of the nose, and oral cavity. The physical examination involves feeling the chin, jaw, cheeks, and head to detect masses or nodules.
Is It Common to Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are becoming more common as oral cancer awareness increases. Early oral cancer detection is essential to effective treatment and critical to a patient’s dental care plan. We highly recommend our oral cancer screenings for patients of all ages, especially those with a heightened risk of oral cancer.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Choose Matthew J Cavendish, DDS, PLLC, and our industry-leading oral cancer screenings for preventative care that safeguards your overall health and well-being. Rely on our trusted team and cutting-edge technology for the highest standards of care today. Contact us to schedule your oral cancer exam and get proactive about your oral health.