Oral Cancer Screening
Fight Off Mouth Disease With Early Detection
Every time you’re in our chair at Brewer Dental Center, we review many aspects of your health. Subtle changes in the lining of your mouth call for a closer evaluation, regardless of whether you use tobacco or not. Early detection of oral cancer saves many lives every year, and we’re trained to recognize a myriad of oral tissue abnormalities.
Oral cancer can afflict anyone although tobacco users put themselves at significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco contains up to 3,000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren’t always detectable until they’ve advanced to a critical stage.
However, early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increase the chance of a positive outcome. The American Cancer Society reports that about 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of 30,000 cases diagnosed annually. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.
We understand tobacco holds powerful addictive powers over many health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, we want to be a supportive partner in your efforts. If you need help, we can assist you with finding strategies and resources for kicking the habit.
Been a while since your last dental exam? Call (406) 412-6365 for an appointment at Brewer Dental Center. Call us today. We will see you today. Guaranteed.