Oral ID Light

Oral Cancer Screening with Oral ID

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can form in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheek, or palate. According to the American Dental Association, it’s estimated that about 51,540 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year. Of those cases, about 10,860 will be fatal. Though these numbers are high, the good news is that when caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. This is why screening for oral cancer is so important.

One way to screen for oral cancer is with Oral ID. Oral ID is a quick and painless oral cancer screening test that can be done in your dentist’s office. The test uses fluorescence technology to help your dentist identify abnormal tissue changes that could be early signs of cancer. If you have a family history of cancer or are a smoker, you may be at increased risk for oral cancer and should talk to your dentist about getting screened.

How Does Oral ID Work?

The Oral ID system uses a specialized light and camera combo to help your dentist detect abnormal tissue changes that could be indicative of oral cancer. The light emits a blue wavelength of light that penetrates under the surface of the epithelium—the top layer of skin—to highlight any abnormalities that may be lurking beneath. The camera then takes pictures of this area so your dentist can get a closer look and identify any suspicious tissue changes.

The entire process takes less than two minutes and is completely painless. You simply sit back and relax while your dentist does all the work. If your dentist sees anything suspicious, they may recommend further testing or biopsy to confirm whether or not you have oral cancer.

Oral cancer screening is an important part of maintaining good oral health. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the better chance you have of surviving it. If you have any risk factors for oral cancer—such as family history or smoking—be sure to talk to your dentist about getting screened with Oral ID.

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