Oral (Mouth) Cancer Screen in Greenwood Village

While some think this type of cancer is rare, mouth cancer is quickly becoming more common in the United States. While mouth cancer can be linked to smoking or alcohol, there has been an increase in mouth cancers caused by microorganisms like viruses.

At every dental exam, you can expect a full intraoral and extraoral exam. This will include checking the neck, TMJ, lips, throat, tongue, and other tissues of the mouth. It is our goal to screen and educate our patients to help prevent and stop oral pathology development via our excellent preventative care

Are There Any Preventative Measures for Oral Cancer?

As with most recommendations, taking good care of your overall health and mouth are key factors to an overall healthy lifestyle. This includes avoiding tobacco products (cigarettes, pipes, vapes, and chewing tobacco) as well as excessive alcohol intake. In addition, regular exercise and a healthy diet will help improve health and lower the risk of cancer. Finally, having your vaccinations up to date including the Gardasil vaccine which directly targets the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which has direct links to oral cancer among other cancers. This vaccine can be given at most physician’s offices.

Is There a Connection with Your Mouth and Overall Health?

The mouth-body connection has been proven in several professional studies. Today, the mouth is considered a mirror into the body’s overall health. The condition of the oral health has links to common conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and even some cancers. For instance, the same bacterium that is found in patients with periodontal (gum) disease is also found in patients with heart disease. This is why patients with gum disease are twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or serious cardiovascular event. Another example of the mouth-body connection to consider is with pregnancy. Expecting mothers with periodontal disease are more likely to have a pre-term (early) or low-birth weight baby. Taking care of the mouth beyond a bright white smile can truly help improve your overall health and prevent future diseases. For more information, click the links below or ask one of the specialists at our dental office in Greenwood Village.
  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gum-disease-and-heart-disease-the-common-thread
  2. https://www.perio.org/consumer/AAP_EFP_Pregnancy