Oral Cancer Screening

Early Detection

Why We Screen Every Single Visit

Oral cancer is far more treatable when it’s found early — yet it often starts painlessly, as a small spot or sore that’s easy to overlook. Risk rises with age, and it climbs further with tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, and past HPV exposure. Because most adults see a dentist more often than they see a doctor, we’re frequently the first to notice something.

That’s why an oral cancer screening is part of every exam here — not an add-on you have to request. It takes about two minutes and doesn’t hurt at all.

What the Screening Involves

We visually examine your lips, gums, tongue (top, underside and sides), the floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We then gently feel the tissues of your neck and jaw for lumps or hard areas. If we find anything worth watching, we’ll explain it plainly and either recheck it in two weeks or refer you for evaluation.

What to Watch for Between Visits

Call us if you notice a sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks, a red or white patch, a lump or thickening, persistent hoarseness, numbness, or trouble chewing or swallowing. Most of these turn out to be harmless — but they should always be looked at.