One of the most common forms of cancer around the world is oral cancer and is the sixth most deadly form of cancer there is. For the past four decades, one person has died every hour from this terrible disease and yet many people are not even aware of it. It is for this reason that Westside Dental Group also offers screenings for oral cancer to detect and prevent the problem.

We do not want you or your family to join the vast numbers of people who have contracted this illness. That’s why we have decided to offer oral cancer screenings which are conducted by our team of doctors and hygienists who are skilled at spotting the signs or oral cancer and can help recommend a proper and safe course of treatment.

What Causes Oral Cancer

There are several factors that can lead to oral cancer.  One of the main factors is simply age.  Most of those who are diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 40.  Other factors that contribute to the disease are the use of alcohol and tobacco.  However, it is not limited to those who are over 40.  Twenty-five percent of those who are diagnosed with the disease don’t drink alcohol or use tobacco.

Since most people don’t think about the possibility of contracting oral cancer, they don’t take the necessary steps to check for it on a regular basis.  It really should be a part of your dental exam and if your dentist is not doing it, you should ask for one.  It can save your life.

Because of this lack of awareness, most cases of oral cancer go untreated and when it is discovered, many times it is in the later stages of the disease.  This is why it has an exceptionally high mortality rate.  Early detection becomes crucial as 90% of oral cancers are curable if they are discovered early on.

How Do We Perform An Oral Cancer Exam

Our comprehensive oral exams include oral cancer screenings by using a state-of-the-art cancer detection device Vizilite Plus With TBlue630.

This device can identify the initial signs of oral cancer before the human eye can see it. This technology can help to discover soft tissue abnormalities and lesions that might otherwise be missed.  This treatment is painless and non-invasive.  You rinse with a cleansing solution, then your mouth is scanned with the Vizilite.

Normal tissue will absorb the light and appear dark.  If the tissue is abnormal, it will turn white.  We will then determine the nature of the abnormality and then recommend a course of action.

Our Full Oral Cancer Screening Protocol Includes the Following:

• Lifestyle/Risk Assessment.
• HPV tests of the saliva.
• Oral cancer screenings regularly.
• Brush biopsies, which are also known as oral CDX.
• Referrals to a pathologist whenever necessary.

You can get more information about our oral cancer screenings if you decide to have a consultation with our doctors at Westside Dental Group. Prevention and early detection are key to your oral health.