Catching cancer early is the key to achieving optimal results. Screenings to identify cancer in the mouth, throat, tongue, or tonsils in their earliest stages are vital to ensuring individual overall health. If oral cancer is identified early, it can be treated quickly and it can lead to a better outcome. Unfortunately there are severe risks to not catching oral cancer early, including needing to remove the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the jaw, or other parts of the face. Additionally, in some cases, if cancer that begins in the mouth is left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body.

Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of Thirty-Two Dental understand the importance of early detection and include oral cancer screening as part of their checkups for every patient. This screening includes not only a visual exam, but also a saliva sample.

The visual exam takes only a few minutes. The dentists check closely for lumps, bumps, or sores in the mouth and under the tongue. Next, they will check your cheeks and salivary glands to determine if they are swollen or blocked. In addition to a visual exam, the patient’s saliva sample is tested for early stages of Human Papilloma Virus and the bacteria that cause gum disease. This simple process improves treatment success of both oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Oral cancer should not be taken lightly. Over the last five years, there has been an increase in the number of oral cancer cases. Oral cancer can happen in anyone, although those who have unhealthy habits such as using any form of tobacco, drinking alcohol regularly, or biting their cheeks or lips have increased risk. The early stages of oral cancer can be hard to detect by people who are not trained and experienced. Often there are no symptoms or pain in the early stages.

Take charge of the health of your mouth and your body. Call the office of Thirty-Two Dental to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vo or Breckley. Our dentists treat each patient as an individual, working closely with you to determine the best treatment option. Thirty-Two Dental is located at 600 Chastain Rd, Suite 422, Kennesaw, GA 30144.