At Ace Smile Dentistry in Flower Mound, we believe that early detection is key to successful treatment, especially when it comes to oral cancer. Our dentist offers thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive dental care services. By identifying potential issues early on, we can help you take proactive steps toward protecting your health.

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Important

Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of your regular dental checkups. Just like with other types of cancer, early diagnosis dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery. During your screening, our dentist will carefully examine your lips, gums, tongue, mouth, and throat for any abnormal growths or lesions that could signal the presence of cancer.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you notice any of the following symptoms that persist for more than a week, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Flower Mound as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate the presence of oral cancer:

• Persistent ear pain
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Mouth sores that won’t heal
• White or red patches inside your mouth
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Lumps or swellings around the mouth
• A sore throat without typical sinus symptoms
• Sensation of something stuck in the back of your throat
• Pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk. Some of the most common risk factors include:

• Tobacco use (in any form), which increases the risk by six times
• Alcohol consumption in excess
• Prolonged sun exposure, which can lead to lip cancer
• Unhealthy diet and lack of essential nutrients
• Genetic predisposition or family history of cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Age (oral cancer is more common in people over 40)
• Gender (men are at higher risk)

The Importance of Early Detection

Oral cancer kills one adult American every hour, but the survival rate significantly increases with early detection. When found in its early stages, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate due to less invasive treatments and smaller tumors that are easier to remove. In contrast, cancers detected in later stages are often more advanced, larger, and may have spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more complicated.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

At Ace Smile Dentistry, we are committed to helping you maintain optimal health through early detection and comprehensive care. If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently or if you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, we encourage you to contact our office in Flower Mound to schedule an appointment.

Our experienced dentist is here to provide you with the highest level of care and support. Don’t wait – early detection can save your life.

Contact us today to book your consultation and take a proactive step toward your health!