Screening for Oral Cancer Can Save Your Life

Do you know that approximately 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year? It’s true, but unfortunately, it is not a problem that many people know about.
Because oral cancer is often detected in the later stages, it has a higher mortality rate than that of other health problems, including several other forms of cancer.
Drs. Cody, Justin, and Donald Coon of Grinnell Street Dental make this pledge to you: They will do everything in their power to find and diagnose oral cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
With the help of modern technology, screening for oral cancer is easier than ever. Generally, oral cancer screening devices use fluorescent lights to detect abnormalities in the tissue of your mouth. The different kinds of tissue in your mouth will appear to “glow” different colors.
Screening for oral cancer is quick and does not require any rinses, stains, or discomfort whatsoever. This, along with a traditional visual exam, is an effective process for diagnosing this debilitating, and often fatal, disease.
All adults should have an annual oral cancer screening exam. Men over 40 and women between the ages of 20 and 40 are the most prone to the disease, but it can appear in anyone, even those who have no lifestyle factors to heighten their oral cancer risk. Those who use tobacco, consume alcohol daily, have viral infections, autoimmune deficiencies, or diabetes should be screened more frequently because these habits and conditions can contribute to a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
For more information about oral cancer screening and treatment, please call at (307) 672-7567. We’re here to help you keep your mouth healthy and cancer-free.