Be Proactive With Oral Cancer Screenings in Shreveport

Your dental health goes beyond sparkling teeth and healthy gums. In fact, your teeth and gums can indicate early signs of larger issues within your entire body. Thanks to advanced technology, Drs. Adam and Jana Cormier are able to detect early signs of problems such as periodontal disease, diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer. More than 90 percent of systemic diseases show symptoms within the mouth. Oral cancer screenings at Cormier Family Dentistry can treat issues before they become a larger problem.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a collection of malignant cells that form within the mouth. This can include the lips, tongue, uvula, palate, tonsils, gums, throat, or lining of the mouth. Fortunately, the number of individuals with oral cancer has been slowly decreasing. Sometimes, oral cancer can be brought on by a specific strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cancer is detected most often in males and is more common for African Americans.

Should I get screenings?

We recommend oral cancer screenings for our patients. The earlier a problem is detected, the sooner treatment can begin and issues can be addressed. The basic exam is very simple and only takes a few moments. We feel screenings are an important part of routine dental exams to ensure you are always at your healthiest. After all, oral health will guide you towards overall health.

How do oral cancer screenings work?

The human eye cannot detect the symptoms of oral cancer, so we use special procedures to test for signs. For your exam, your dentist will insert a gloved hand into your mouth to check for lumps or abnormal tissue. A blue dye or ultraviolet light may also be used during the exam but does not indicate concern. If your dentist detects abnormal cells they believe may be problematic, diagnostic tests will be done so that you will have definitive results.

Should I be concerned?

At Cormier Family Dentistry we suggest regular oral cancer screenings in Shreveport for our patients. Since screening tests are given when no cancer symptoms are present, there is no need for you to be concerned. The screening process is a routine procedure that we administer during our thorough exams. Some individuals, particularly those who have previously had oral cancer or who drink or smoke heavily, are at higher risks for oral cancer so if you are concerned, consider making a change in your lifestyle.

We are pleased to offer the latest in preventative and screening measures. While oral cancer can be a difficult topic, screenings are a standard practice and can be used to detect and treat patients who may have oral cancer. Screenings are simple and painless so there is no reason to have concern over the examination process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding oral cancer screenings or general oral exam questions, please contact Drs. Adam and Jana Cormier of Cormier Family Dentistry at our Shreveport, Louisiana office. We will be happy to assist you.