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Early detection saves lives when it comes to oral cancer. A quick, painless screening during your regular dental visit can identify suspicious changes in your mouth tissues before they develop into serious problems. These routine examinations take just minutes but provide peace of mind and the opportunity to catch potential issues at their most treatable stage.
At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Naylor includes comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of every routine preventive dentistry appointment. The practice creates a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing any concerns about changes in their mouth. Through careful examination and personalized attention, the team helps you maintain not just healthy teeth, but overall oral health and wellbeing.
Oral cancer develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. The disease can appear on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, or throat. Like other cancers, oral cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally and form tumors that can invade surrounding tissues.
The condition often begins as a small, painless change that you might easily overlook. This makes regular screenings critical, as your dentist can identify abnormalities you may not notice yourself. Early-stage oral cancer responds much better to treatment than advanced disease, which underscores the importance of routine dental visits.
Several factors increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form ranks among the leading causes, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco. Heavy alcohol consumption also raises your risk significantly, especially when combined with tobacco use. Excessive sun exposure to your lips, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and a family history of cancer can also contribute to increased risk.
Oral cancer screenings fit seamlessly into your regular dental hygiene appointment. The examination takes only a few minutes and causes no discomfort. Your dentist begins by visually inspecting all areas of your mouth, looking for any unusual changes in tissue color, texture, or appearance.
During the visual examination, the dentist checks for red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, lumps, or areas of thickened tissue. They examine your lips, tongue, gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks. The dentist also inspects the back of your throat and looks for any asymmetry or unusual growths.
Next comes a physical examination where your dentist gently feels the tissues in your mouth and throat, checking for lumps, bumps, or irregularities. They palpate the lymph nodes in your neck to detect any swelling that might indicate infection or cancer spread. This hands-on examination helps identify changes that aren’t visible to the eye.
If your dentist discovers anything suspicious during the screening, they may recommend additional tests. These might include a brush biopsy, where a small sample of cells is collected for laboratory analysis, or they may refer you to an oral surgeon for a more thorough evaluation. Finding an abnormality doesn’t mean you have cancer, as many benign conditions can cause similar changes, but further investigation ensures nothing serious goes undetected.
Between dental visits, pay attention to changes in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks. Early warning signs include sores that don’t heal, persistent pain, lumps or thickening in your cheek, white or red patches, difficulty swallowing or chewing, numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth, jaw swelling, or chronic sore throat.
Changes in how your teeth fit together, loose teeth without obvious cause, or pain around your teeth or jaw can also signal problems. Voice changes, ear pain, or dramatic weight loss warrant attention as well. According to the American Dental Association, leukoplakia appears as thick, whitish patches inside the cheeks, gums, or tongue, caused by excess cell growth common among tobacco users, and sometimes associates with oral cancer.
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly. Most of these signs result from conditions other than cancer, but only a professional examination can determine the cause. Don’t wait for your next routine visit if you observe persistent changes in your oral tissues.
While not all oral cancers can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk through lifestyle choices and routine care:
These preventive measures support overall oral health while reducing cancer risk.
Everyone benefits from oral cancer screenings during routine dental visits. The American Cancer Society recommends regular oral examinations for all adults. However, certain groups face higher risk and should be especially vigilant about receiving screenings.
If you’re over 40, use tobacco or alcohol, have a history of HPV infection, have had previous oral cancer, or have a family history of cancer, prioritize regular screenings. People with weakened immune systems from HIV, organ transplantation, or chronic immunosuppressive therapy also face increased risk. Those with significant sun exposure, particularly to the lips, should receive careful monitoring as well.
Even without obvious risk factors, oral cancer can develop. Regular screenings provide the best protection by enabling early detection when treatment outcomes are most favorable. The procedure’s simplicity and the potentially life-saving benefits make it an essential component of preventive dental care.
Protecting your oral health requires a partnership between you and your dental team. At Naylor Family Dental and Implant Center, Dr. Naylor completed his dental education at Indiana University in 2017 and brings thorough, compassionate care to every patient interaction. The practice treats everyone with the attention and care they would provide their own family, creating a calming environment where you feel comfortable discussing any health concerns.
Oral cancer screenings are included in routine preventive appointments, along with comprehensive examinations and professional cleanings. The practice makes dental care accessible through acceptance of major insurance plans including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna Dental, Aetna Dental, Guardian, Always Care, UFCW, and Unum. For patients without traditional coverage, flexible financing options through CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and Cherry help make treatment affordable. The practice also offers an in-house dental membership plan that includes preventive services. Don’t wait to prioritize your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your next preventive care appointment and receive a thorough oral cancer screening.
