Education, Awareness, Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious disease that impacts thousands annually, but detecting it early greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.
At Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles, Dr. Robert Lancaster, DMD, and Dr. Angela Britt, DMD, bring over four decades of combined experience in advanced dental care. Dr. Britt is an Accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), while Dr. Lancaster graduated second in his class from Augusta University’s Dental College of Georgia.Â
We offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings in Brunswick, GA, using the latest technology to detect signs of the disease early. Our goal is to provide expert preventive care to help patients maintain a healthy, confident smile.
What is Oral Cancer?
Although not as widely publicized as other forms of cancer, Oral Cancer is quite common, especially among smokers and tobacco users. Oral cancer is a serious disease that develops in the tissues of the mouth and throat, often beginning as abnormal cell changes that can spread if left untreated.
While some symptoms may be painless or subtle, they should never be ignored. Signs that could indicate oral cancer include:
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained lumps or thickened tissues in the mouth or throat
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue
- Persistent numbness or aching in the mouth, lips, or jaw
- Sudden changes in voice
If you notice any of these symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, it is essential to schedule an evaluation with a dental professional.
Who is At Risk?
As with any type of cancer, some people are more at risk of oral cancer than others. The main risk factors are:
- Smoking, any tobacco use, vaping
- Regularly drinking alcohol to excess
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Additionally, men are typically more susceptible to oral cancer than women, and it usually affects people who are 60 or older.
While oral cancer is more likely to develop in people with the main risk factors, it is important to understand that oral cancer can affect anyone, even young people and people who have never smoked, do not drink alcohol, and have no other risk factors.
You can lower your risk of oral cancer by:
- Not smoking, using tobacco, or vaping
- Applying sunscreen to your face and lips and opting for a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors
- Not drinking alcohol or drinking it only occasionally and in moderation
- Getting the HPV vaccine
- Eating a nutritionally balanced diet
- Visiting Dr. Britt for regular oral hygiene examinations and oral cancer screenings
Signs of Oral Cancer
Be aware of the following warning signs and call Lancaster & Britt – Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles in Brunswick, GA immediately if you notice or feel anything abnormal in or around your mouth:
- A sore on your lip or in your mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within 2 weeks
- Uncharacteristic rough spots on your tongue, anywhere inside your mouth, or on your lips
- White patches anywhere inside your mouth or on your tongue that do not disappear after brushing, drinking water, swishing with mouthwash
- Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness inside your mouth or on your tongue, neck, or face
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw comfortably
- Unrelenting bad breath that persists despite maintaining good oral hygiene
- Ear pain not caused by an infection
Oral Cancer Screening: What to Expect
During your regular checkup at Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles, our doctors can assess for signs of oral cancer. This quick, non-invasive screening is designed to detect early signs of oral cancer before they become more serious.
During your examination, your dentist will:
- Visually inspect your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any lesions, mouth sores, or abnormal areas.
- Feel the soft tissues in your mouth and throat to check for unusual lumps, swelling, or irregularities.
- Utilize specialized imaging technology when necessary to uncover early signs of abnormal tissue development.
If we find any areas of concern, we will facilitate additional testing to determine the underlying cause and establish a treatment plan.
The American Dental Association recommends that all adults undergo periodic oral cancer screenings during regular dental visits. Early detection significantly increases survival rates and allows for more effective treatment options. Recognizing and managing precancerous lesions is a crucial step in prevention, making regular screenings essential to maintaining good oral health.
Oral cancer screenings are fast, painless, and can be life-saving. By incorporating them into your routine dental care, you are proactively protecting your health.
Why Choose Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles for Oral Cancer Screening?
At Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles, we provide thorough and compassionate oral cancer screenings under the leadership of Dr. Robert Lancaster, DMD, and Dr. Angela Britt, DMD. With over four decades of combined experience, Dr. Lancaster and Dr. Britt are dedicated to delivering expert, patient-centered care. Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles is a trusted provider of cosmetic, neuromuscular, and sedation dentistry in Southeast Georgia, offering individualized treatment for optimal oral health.
Our experienced doctors employ cutting-edge diagnostic technology, including the VELScope VX, to detect oral cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. This state-of-the-art technology highlights potentially cancerous areas that may not be visible to the naked eye, allowing for detection at the earliest and most treatable stages. Combined with their expertise, Dr. Britt and Dr. Lancaster’s commitment to innovation and preventive care make our office the trusted choice for oral cancer screenings in Brunswick, GA.
Preventive Oral Cancer Screenings in Brunswick, GA
Oral cancer is a serious disease, but detecting it early greatly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Routine screenings are essential for safeguarding both your oral and overall health.
If it’s time for your next oral cancer screening or you have concerns about your oral health, schedule a consultation with Exceptional Dentistry of the Golden Isles today. Call us at (912) 264-5550 to book your screening in Brunswick, GA, and take the next step in preventive care.
