Oral cancer is one of the most commonly overlooked health concerns, yet it affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. When caught early, the five-year survival rate improves dramatically, but the challenge is that oral cancer often develops without pain or obvious symptoms in its earliest stages. That’s what makes routine oral cancer screenings so valuable.
At Sunrise Dental Arts, serving patients throughout Hillcrest, Mission Hills, North Park, and Bankers Hill, our team takes a whole-body approach to dental care. That means going beyond cavities and cleanings to look at the full picture of your oral health. As part of our comprehensive dental procedures, we perform thorough physical oral cancer screenings to help patients stay ahead of potential concerns before symptoms ever appear.
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Actually Involve?
Many patients are surprised to learn that an oral cancer screening doesn’t require any special equipment or painful procedures. The physical exam our team performs is straightforward and takes only a few minutes.
During the screening, we carefully examine the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the roof and floor of the mouth, and the throat. We’re looking for anything that seems abnormal, including:
- Unusual Patches: Red or white lesions that don’t resolve on their own after a couple of weeks.
- Persistent Sores: Ulcers or irritated areas that fail to heal in a normal timeframe.
- Lumps or Thickening: Any unexplained changes to the texture of the tissue inside the mouth.
- Difficulty Swallowing or Moving the Jaw: Functional changes that may signal an underlying issue.
If anything unusual is observed, we will discuss next steps with you, which may include monitoring the area or referring you for a biopsy. Finding a concern early gives you the best possible options going forward.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The short answer: everyone. Oral cancer screenings are recommended as part of routine dental exams for patients of all ages. That said, certain factors can increase risk, and those individuals benefit most from consistent, annual screenings.
What Are the Most Common Risk Factors?
According to the CDC’s overview of oral cancer, tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with certain strains of HPV are among the leading contributors to oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Sun exposure to the lips is also a recognized risk factor, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Beyond lifestyle factors, age plays a role as well. Most oral cancers are diagnosed in adults over 40, though cases in younger adults have been rising. If you use tobacco in any form, drink alcohol regularly, or have had a prior oral cancer diagnosis, routine screenings are especially important for you.
How Often Should You Be Screened for Oral Cancer?
For most patients, an oral cancer screening can be incorporated into their regular dental checkup. Coming in for your preventive exams at least once a year ensures that any changes to your oral tissue are caught and documented over time.
If you’ve noticed anything that concerns you, such as a sore that isn’t healing or unusual changes inside your mouth, don’t wait for your next scheduled cleaning. Promptly addressing potential dental emergencies and unexpected changes in oral health is always the right call.
Can an Anxious Patient Still Get Screened?
Absolutely. Dental anxiety is incredibly common, and it shouldn’t stand between you and important preventive care. For patients who feel nervous about any dental procedure, we offer moderate conscious sedation via IV and nitrous oxide to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit. You can also review our payment and financing options if cost is a concern that is keeping you from scheduling.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Sunrise Dental Arts
Oral cancer screening is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect your long-term health. A quick visual exam during your regular dental visit can detect abnormalities that have no visible symptoms, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re on top of your health from every angle.
Dr. Andy Keith and our entire team at Sunrise Dental Arts are here to provide the attentive, thorough care you deserve. Meet our doctors and get to know the team behind your care, then take that important first step toward protecting your smile and your health. Use our contact form to request your appointment today.
