Oral Cancer Screen
Oral cancer is ranked amongst the most common cancers in the world. It describes a number of cancers occurring in the region of the mouth, including lips, tongue and floor of the mouth. However, it can also occur on the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils and salivary glands. Rates in Australia are particularly high due to sun exposure on the lower lip. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) also contribute to the development of the disease. We routinely check your mouth for oral cancer at each examination appointment.
The Snowy Mountains Dental holistic approach is to give you the best information possible:
• Around 59% of oral cancer in Australia is caused by smoking and 31% by excess alcohol consumption.
• Cancers of the lip have been linked to excessive UV exposure.
• Therefore practising sun safety is an important step in prevention.
Symptoms:
The disease is notoriously difficult to detect as people rarely feel discomfort or are aware of it. Regular dental check-ups are an important part of early detection and minimising complex/debilitating interventions.