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How Much Do You Know About Oral Cancer? Marietta, GA

How Much Do You Know About Oral Cancer?

Teeth Model Marietta GA

Regardless of what type, cancer is a scary and dreaded diagnosis. When it comes to cancer, however, knowledge can be your most powerful tool in prevention. Mouth cancer is no different. In fact, knowing the facts about oral cancer as well as your personal risk factors for this serious disease can drastically limit your chances of ever hearing the “c” word from your dentist.

One key fact about oral cancer is that it is highly treatable, but only if it is caught early. If oral cancer is ignored, it can be fatal. How do you catch oral cancer early? Here are some tips:

Don’t skip your routine dental visits. During a preventative or routine dental checkup, your dentist will automatically check for signs of oral cancer. There is even advanced technology that allows your dentist to scan for cancerous lesions in just minutes – without you feeling a thing! Skipping these critical checkups could be detrimental if you unknowingly have oral cancer.

Know the warning signs of oral cancer. Equip yourself with the knowledge of what oral cancer can look and feel like. Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers a comprehensive list of the most common symptoms of mouth cancer:

  • Persistent mouth sores that do not heal
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
  • A sore throat or persistent feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing
  • Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
  • Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
  • Jaw swelling that makes dentures hurt or fit poorly
  • Loosening of the teeth
  • Pain in the teeth or jaw
  • Voice changes
  • A lump in the neck
  • Weight loss
  • Persistent bad breath

If any of these symptoms appear and stick around for multiple days or weeks, your dentist needs to know!

Access Your Risk

There are many risk factors associated with oral cancer. It is important that you know how high your personal risk is and take measures to lower that risk if possible. While genetics can play a role in the development of oral cancer, it is also a disease that becomes much more likely if you use tobacco (smoking or vaping) or you consume excessive amounts of alcohol (more than 21 drinks per week).

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Marietta

Screening for oral cancer takes just a few painless minutes of your day, but it can save your life. At Gilreath Dental Associates, we proudly offer oral cancer detection. To learn more about mouth cancer and your risk for developing it, call Dr. Gilreath today.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV, Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta

Schedule an Appointment

We’d love to have you as part of our practice family.
Please call us at (770) 796-7081.

Our Client Reviews
Gilreath Family Dentistry

Sarah Khatib

Dr. Daniel Lee is the best dentist I've seen. She's so considerate of your fear of the dentist and was so painless although multiple procedures were done at the same time to save me a visit. Will definitely be coming here for years to come Il!

Susan

Dr. Gilreath is incredible with my kids. They love going to the dentist now! And this busy mom loves the warm neck wraps, the soft music and enjoying a latte while I relax!

Kenneth H.

Was lucky enough to find these guys when I got insurance that my old dentist did not take. Very professional and friendly staff! Office has the latest greatest technology as well. If you're looking for a new dentist, search no further!

Susie L.

Very personable and friendly, they took the time to go over my complex dental history and did not pressure me into anything. They gave their recommendations and priced out any options I had. Great group!

Camille Y.

Dr. Gilreath and his staff are top notch. I received the best cleaning I've ever had while watching my favorite show. The Doctor and his staff were all very polite, friendly, and courteous. They explained everything to me clearly and presented me with options in a gentle way that didn't make me feel pressured at all. It's obvious they really care about the wellbeing of their patients. The facility and equipment is really nice as well. I will definitely be back!

Juan R.

Always willing to work around my kids and my schedules. Today I had a long appointment. They started on time and always made sure I was comfortable and that the pain was managed so the procedure could’ve been completed without issues. Very courteous and professional staff.

Lucia B.

Awesome dental practice! The staff is friendly and efficient. Dr. Gilreath is thorough and versed in the latest technology and procedures. I love that he can make crowns in the office while you wait (so no walking around with a temporary crown for days or weeks). I would strongly recommend this dental practice!

Matthew W.

I've been going here for about a little over a year now. I've had a few cleanings, a filling, and started Invisiline so far. Hands down, the best run dental office I've ever been to. In the past at other dental offices I often had to wait 30 or more minutes beyond my appointment time before being seen. At Dr. Gilreath's office I've been seen on time every time. They seem to have systems in place to make every part of your visit run smoothly. From how they took x-rays, to billing and appointments, to the work done by the hygienist/dentist, everything seems to run like a well oiled machine. On top of that all the staff are all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The office space itself is also quite nice. Very clean, well maintained, and seems very "up to date" with their equipment. If you're looking for a dentist and are anywhere in the northwest metro area I would highly recommend Dr. Gilreath.

Our Office

Gilreath Family Dentistry

200 White St NW
Marietta, GA 30060

Call to Schedule an Appointment:
(770) 796-7081

Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta waiting room Marietta GA.