Oral cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages. Patients aren’t visiting the dentist for preventive care exams which can potentially be life-saving. At Harper Dental, Dr. William Harper cares about his patients and works with them to improve their oral health through patient-focused, advanced dental care. One of the best and underutilized tools in dentistry is preventive dental care. Dr. Harper recommends that patients visit our office at least twice a year for a routine dental check-up. During a routine dental check-up, Dr. Harper will screen patients for complex dental problems, including oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is fast, noninvasive examination of the oral cavity. Patients who are at high risk for oral cancer due to factors like age, gender, exposure to HPV, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, should schedule a screening and talk to Dr. Harper about how to lower their risks.
Signs of Oral Cancer
- A persistent sore throat
- Red or white patches on the mouth, lips, tongue, or cheek
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Sores or lesions in the mouth
- Lumps in the mouth, tongue, cheek, or neck
- Numbness of the tongue or lips
Spotting oral cancer on your own may be difficult, which is why it is essential to schedule regular visits to the dentist. However, if you do notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an oral cancer screening at Harper Dental.
An oral cancer screening may help save a life. If signs of oral cancer are detected during your examination, Dr. Harper can work with you to set up the next steps in your care. The goal is to catch complex dental problems early enough to provide patients with the most effective or conservative treatment options available.
Schedule An Oral Cancer Screening
Harper Dental is a full-service dental facility in Newport News, VA. Dr. Harper can work with you to improve the health of your smile. If you need to schedule an oral cancer screening, you can call 757.414.7227 or schedule an appointment online.