Q: What is oral cancer screening? Do I need to see a dentist who is equipped with a special oral cancer screening device?
A: Oral cancers can be deadly but if caught early they can be treated successfully, making oral cancer screening and early detection important. Oral cancer screening can be done with or without special screening devices. Special screening devices help clinicians detect cancer tissue with special lighting. However, recent JADA (Journal of American Dental Association) articles pointed out that these special screening devices do not offer any specific advantages over regular clinical exam performed by dentists. It is more important to have proper knowledge and experience to recognize cancers than to rely on a machine to identify cancers in the oral cavity. Some of the well know factors involved in the development of oral cancers include smoking, alcohol use, ill-fitting dental prostheses and etc. It is paramount that you follow healthy habits with regular check ups with your dentist in order to prevent and detect oral cancers early.
Questions? Ask Dr Perio
