How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Your Life in Just Two Minutes

Regular Screening for Oral Cancer Is Important

No one wants to receive a cancer diagnosis. And as far as oral cancer is concerned, it’s a disease that is largely preventable. With nearly 58,500 oral and oropharyngeal diagnoses each year, wouldn’t you want to take the time to lessen your risks and increase the likelihood of early detection? We think the answer is yes. 

Early detection of oral cancer starts with an oral cancer screening. And these screenings rarely take place with your primary health care provider. Your general dentist performs them, and screenings occur every time you come in for your professional dental cleaning.

What is an oral cancer screening?

You may think that you’ve never had an oral cancer screening before. But that’s probably not true. One of the best things about oral cancer detection is that the screening process is so quick and easy that you might not even realize it’s happening.

During this quick check, your dentist will carefully evaluate your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the roof and floor of your mouth. They will also look at your throat and feel along your jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or swelling. The process is simple and completely painless, often taking just a couple of minutes. 

You may be asked to move your tongue or say ah so all areas can be seen clearly. This is where the importance of oral cancer screening is such a big deal, because even the smallest of changes can be caught early before they turn into something more serious.

Why Early Detection Matters 

In detecting oral cancer, timing makes a big difference. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for localized cases ranges from 72% to 95%, depending on where the cancer starts. At first glance, five years might not sound that impressive. But in cancer care, it’s a meaningful milestone. It often means treatment worked, and the chances of the cancer coming back drop over time.

Oral cancer is highly treatable in the early stages. The challenge is that many symptoms go unnoticed until the disease has progressed. That’s why regular screenings matter. They allow your dentist to spot small changes early, often before you feel anything at all, giving you a better chance at a positive outcome.

Who Should Get Screened (Hint: It’s Not Just Smokers)

You may think that it’s just smokers who are at risk of oral cancer. But that’s not necessarily the case. And, though 95% of oral cancer cases occur in those over age 45, it can happen to anybody. This isn’t to say, however, that dentists don’t start screening until patients are in their mid-40s. In fact, most dentists, including Dr. Alhadef, are always on the lookout for early signs of oral cancer and will look for it regardless of the patient’s age. That said, more thorough screenings usually start around the time a patient turns 18. 

So, as far as who should get screened, the answer is everyone. But, there are some people who are more at risk of developing oral cancer than others. 

• Tobacco users, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco
• Frequent alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
• Exposure to HPV, which is linked to a rise in oral cancers
• Prolonged sun exposure, which can increase the risk of lip cancer
• A history of oral cancer or a family history of cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Watch For

Even though we’ll conduct an oral cancer screening every time you come in for a dental cleaning, there are some signs and symptoms to watch for at home. Here’s what to be on the lookout for. 

• A sore in the mouth or on the lips that doesn’t heal
• Red or white patches inside the mouth
• Lumps, thickened areas, or rough spots
• Ongoing pain, tenderness, or numbness
• Challenges or discomfort when chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving your jaw jaw or tongue
• A persistent sore throat or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat

What Happens if We Find Something

In most cases, your dentist won’t discover anything. Even though the number we shared earlier (58,500 cases per year), might seem big, it really isn’t when you consider the current population of the U.S. Most dentists won’t see more than 10 instances of oral cancer throughout their career. But sometimes, we do find something.

When we do, we’ll usually do one of three things:

• Refer you to a specialist
• Conduct further testing
• Recommend monitoring at your next appointment

The thing to know here is that if we find something, you absolutely have a say in your next steps. And, if you want a referral to a specialist, we’ll help make that happen. 

An Oral Cancer Screening from the Best Dentist in Dallas, TX, Takes Only Two Minutes

If a two-minute painless screening could save your life, would you do it? We’re thinking the answer is absolutely, positively yes. And at Dallas Cosmetic Dental, Dr. Alhadef makes oral screenings a non-negotiable part of your visit every six months. 

So, if you are looking for a new dental home, are overdue for a professional dental cleaning, or you are concerned that you may have spotted a warning sign of oral cancer, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our team today. We look forward to meeting you and helping you protect your smile and your overall health. 
Get on the calendar today.