Dentists offering oral cancer screening
Many dentists are now including oral cancer screening as part of the routine dental examination.
Most people don’t think about oral cancer when they are having a routine check-up but their dentist will undoubtedly be checking for early warning signs of the deadly disease. Most dentists carry out a visual examination but some have started using an instrument known as Vitilize, to check for early signs. The Vitilize examination can identify the earliest stages of cancer, which can usually be treated. Early detection can improve chances of survival by up to 90 percent.
Initial research involving Vitilize was very positive but dental experts are slightly sceptical because the studies were carried out by the manufacturer and further research needs to be carried out to make the information credible.
Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease, which is becoming increasingly prevalent. Unlike other forms of cancer, oral cancer has not received much media attention and consequently people aren’t aware of how common it is. Oral cancer is most common amongst people who smoke and drink heavily but it can affect anyone. Signs to look out for include wounds in the mouth which don’t seem to be healing, persistent pain in the mouth, white or red patches on the gum tissue, tongue or tonsils, problems with swallowing or chewing and a lump in the cheek. Dentists are encouraging all patients to attend a routine check-up at least once every twelve months.
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