When you think of a dental visit, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? X-rays, a cleaning, maybe getting a dental filling. One important part of a preventative dental appointment that often flies below the radar is an oral cancer screening.
Frequently coupled with a routine dental exam, this process is fast, and painless and could literally save not just your oral health, but your life as well.
At Agape Dental Clinic, we offer oral cancer screenings in Millwoods. If you’re in need of one, or you’re looking to find out more about this service, please get in touch today. Our knowledgeable dentist near you can answer any questions you have.
What are Oral Cancer Screenings?
An oral cancer screening is a simple evaluation that’s done by a dentist to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. This entire treatment only takes a few minutes to conduct but its importance shouldn’t be ignored. The only goal of this process is to identify issues before mild or serious symptoms occur or, in more advanced cases, oral cancer spreads throughout the mouth or elsewhere in the body.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer can develop in your tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of your mouth, lips, sinuses, and throat. In its early stages, the condition may not cause any pain, meaning it can go undetected for a while. As a result, regular screenings are essential. Here are some benefits:
- Early Detection Preserves Your Health: The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more successfully it can be treated. Screenings help catch it before it progresses into advanced stages.
- They’re Integrated into Your Annual Exam: You don’t need to schedule a special or additional appointment; our dentists in Millwoods offer screenings to all patients and can conduct the treatment during your dental exam and cleaning.
- Oral Cancer is More Common Than You May Realize: Many people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Although risk increases as you age, younger patients aren’t fully immune.
- Symptoms are not Always Obvious: Oral cancer often emerges without pain or noticeable signs. A screening can catch subtle tissue changes or unusual areas you might miss.
Who Needs Oral Cancer Screenings?
Anyone can benefit from this treatment. That said, some are at a higher risk. You should get an oral cancer screening if any of the following apply:
- Use Tobacco: This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco—all linked to oral cancer.
- Drink Alcohol Regularly: Heavy or frequent drinking, especially when combined with smoking, greatly increases risk.
- Have HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV has been linked to an increase in throat and oral cancers, especially in younger adults.
- Spend Lots of Time in the Sun: Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer.
- Have a Family/Personal History of Cancer: Genetics can play a part and can raise your overall risk.
If you’re unsure whether you should get a screening, our professional dental clinicians always recommend playing it safe and coming in for an appointment. Contact us today.
What Happens During a Screening?
Outlined below is a general overview of what takes place during an oral cancer screening:
- Visual Assessment. Our dentist will start by checking your lips, face, neck, and inside your mouth. They’ll keep an eye out for any swelling, sores that won’t heal, red or white patches, or anything else that looks unusual.
- Physical Inspection. With gloves, your dentist may gently feel your jaw, neck, and inside your mouth to check if any lumps are present.
- Special Tools (if needed). A special light or dye that highlights abnormal tissues more clearly may be used as well.
- Discussion About Your Health. You’ll discuss your oral health with our dentist. They’ll ask if you’ve experienced any changes recently like difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.
Don’t hesitate to speak up if you have further queries or concerns during the treatment. You have the right to understand the steps involved and how the health of your smile is impacted.
What Happens If Something Looks Suspicious?
If your dentist sees something that doesn’t look quite right, don’t panic. It doesn’t automatically mean cancer. Next steps might include:
- Follow-Up Appointment: Sometimes spots or sores clear up on their own. We might have you come in for a follow-up visit to see if things have changed.
- Referral to a Specialist: If an area in your mouth still looks concerning, you might be referred to a medical professional like an oral surgeon or ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for a closer look.
- Biopsy: This involves collecting a small tissue sample and testing to see if cancerous or precancerous cells are present.
Based on your results, your doctor or dentist will talk to you about appropriate next steps.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
For most adults, oral cancer screenings are recommended at least once a year. Of course, if you are at a higher risk due to lifestyle factors or genetics, for example, you could be encouraged to schedule screenings more often so your dental team can stay on top of things.
Contact Agape Dental Clinic to Schedule Your Screening Today
Oral cancer screenings are one of the most overlooked yet essential parts of preventive dental care. They’re incorporated into your regular dental visit, making it convenient in addition to being completely painless and fast. Taking steps now will help you experience good oral hygiene in the long term.
Has it been a while since your last dental visit? Or, if you’ve never had an oral screening near you, it is the perfect time to book an appointment with us. Your smile and your life are worth it. Our approachable, skilled dental team looks forward to greeting you and helping you care for your smile. Please call or message us today!
