Nobody wants to develop cancer in the mouth and throat. This deadly disease has to be detected as soon as possible to have the best chance for a successful treatment. Thankfully, with regular appointments in Phillips for oral cancer screening, this can be addressed before it spread to other parts of the body. 

Educating yourself about oral cancer is an important step to staying on top of your oral and overall health. Don’t be somebody who falls for the lingering myths that surround this disease.   

Myths About Oral Cancer – Debunked!

MYTH #1: “You don’t need to get screened for oral cancer if you’re not at high risk.”

Regardless of your age, gender, diet, or lifestyle choices, going to the dentist for a routine checkup is a must to maintain good oral health. During these appointments, your dentist performs oral cancer screening to detect oral cancer at its earliest stages when it’s most treatable.  

This noninvasive routine involves checking for signs of oral cancer in your mouth, throat, and tongue. You may be required to have further testing if they find unusual discoloration, sores, or lumps.  

MYTH #2: “It’s easy to spot the signs of oral cancer.”

In most cases, signs of cancer in the mouth or throat are difficult to notice. They usually develop in inconspicuous areas that include the tonsils, lymph nodes, base of your tongue, and the lining of your mouth. Without regular oral cancer screening, these issues won’t be detected.   

MYTH #3: “People who don’t use tobacco won’t get oral cancer.”

Although the most common factors for developing risk cancer include regular tobacco and alcohol abuse, non-smokers and/or non-drinkers may also be diagnosed at some point in their lives. This may be due to gender, age, poor diet, genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, weakened immune system, and HPV infection.  

Schedule Your Phillips Oral Cancer Screening Today!

At Northwoods Dentistry, we want to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. If you have questions about oral cancer screening, don’t hesitate to schedule your consultation today.