Your routine dental checkup at The Dental Studio is designed to addresses several different aspects involved in maintaining good oral health. The initial focus of the checkup is designed to clean and polish your teeth while detecting any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. At the end of the checkup, your dentist, Dr. David S. Peterson, will also perform a cursory screening for signs of oral and pharyngeal cancer.
Researched published by the American Dental Association reports that one in 92 adults will develop some form of oral or pharyngeal cancer in their lifetime. While the average age of diagnosis is 62 years of age, other risk factors, like a family history of oral and pharyngeal cancer, tobacco use and increased alcohol consumption, increase the chances of early onset.
Early symptoms of oral or pharyngeal cancer might include a persistent pain in your mouth, swelling, or a lump in your cheek. Pharyngeal cancer symptoms also include a persistent sore throat or a feeling like something is stuck in the back of your mouth.
At the end of your dental checkup, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. This includes examining your tongue, throat, face, and neck for any swelling or abnormal discoloration. Be sure to tell him about any increased risk factors for oral cancer you might have.
If you have questions or concerns about oral and pharyngeal cancer in Sandy, Utah, you should call The Dental Studio at 801-278-4787 to schedule a your next dental checkup.