Early detection is your most powerful defense against oral cancer. At Newport Beach Dental Center, we incorporate thorough oral cancer screenings as part of your comprehensive dental examinations, potentially catching concerning changes before they develop into more serious conditions. These quick, painless screenings could save your life, as detecting oral cancer in its earliest stages dramatically increases survival rates and treatment success.
Dr. Laura Sharbash brings years of experience to your oral health needs. As both a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (D.ABDSM), Dr. Sharbash emphasizes a holistic approach to dentistry that considers your total wellbeing, not just your teeth. Her commitment to preventive care includes thorough oral cancer screenings with every comprehensive examination.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, but with early detection through professional screenings, patients have significantly better outcomes. This serious condition can develop in various areas, including the lips, gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and throat. Regular screenings at Newport Beach Dental Center help identify concerning changes before symptoms become obvious or uncomfortable.
Knowing what to watch for between dental visits empowers you to take proactive steps for your oral health. Warning signs include red or white patches in the mouth, sores that don’t heal within two weeks, unexplained bleeding, changes in how your teeth fit together, persistent pain or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a professional evaluation promptly is crucial for your health.
Certain lifestyle factors and conditions can significantly increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form—cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco—remains the most significant risk factor. Regular alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use, further elevates this risk.
Sun exposure presents a particular concern for lip cancer, especially relevant in sunny Newport Beach. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have increasingly been linked to certain types of oral cancer, while family history of cancer may indicate genetic predispositions. Age is also a factor, with most cases occurring in people over 40, though younger individuals aren’t immune, particularly with rising HPV-related cases.
When you visit our Newport Beach dental office, your oral cancer screening seamlessly integrates into your comprehensive examination. The process begins with a thorough review of your medical history and discussion of any symptoms you may have noticed. This information helps Dr. Sharbash tailor the examination to your specific risk factors.
The physical examination includes a thorough visual inspection of all oral tissues, including areas that may not be visible during a normal dental check. Dr. Sharbash will examine your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of your mouth, and throat, feeling for any abnormal lumps or textures in these tissues and the neck region.
Newport Beach Dental Center utilizes state-of-the-art technology to provide more thorough screenings than visual examination alone can offer. Our practice employs special blue light technology, including VELscope, which helps identify abnormal tissues that might not be visible to the naked eye.
This advanced screening involves shining a special blue light into your mouth, which causes healthy tissues to fluoresce in distinctive patterns. Abnormal tissue appears darker, allowing Dr. Sharbash to identify areas of concern that warrant further investigation. This technology significantly enhances our ability to detect precancerous lesions and early-stage cancers before they become visible or symptomatic.
Yearly oral cancer screenings significantly improve detection rates for oral cancer, resulting in earlier treatment and better outcomes. The American Cancer Society reports that the five-year survival rate for oral cancers detected early approaches 85%, compared to just 39% for cancers detected in later stages.
Professional screenings complement your self-examinations at home. Between dental visits, we encourage patients to periodically examine their mouth for changes, particularly if they have risk factors such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. However, professional screenings remain essential as they can detect subtle changes you might not notice yourself.
Your oral health is directly connected to your overall well-being, and preventative care saves lives. At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash provides thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to comprehensive, holistic dental care. Our minimally invasive approach and state-of-the-art technology ensure you receive the highest standard of preventative care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear to prioritize your oral health. Contact Newport Beach Dental Center today at (949) 760-9212 or fill out our contact form to schedule your comprehensive examination, including an oral cancer screening. We make it easy to prioritize this essential preventive care.
1441 Avocado Ave, Ste 606 Newport Beach, CA 92660
