The key to is to do it early. The faster our Greater Orlando, FL, dentists can spot potential signs, the better. To keep our patients in the know and aware of what’s going on inside their mouths, we offer oral cancer screenings to inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and lining of the cheeks and throat. As we visually and physically examine, we check for any abnormalities, such as unusual lumps, red or white patches, or other irregularities.
Oral cancer screenings painlessly check the entire mouth for lumps, bumps, or lesions that indicate an abnormality.
Here’s what else you need to know.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
The number of people in the U.S. affected by oral cancer each year is not insignificant. It’s estimated that around 54,000 individuals are diagnosed as the condition is fairly common. Our dentists strive to get ahead of oral cancer as much as possible and take note of any signs or symptoms before the situation worsens.
Fortunately, oral cancer isn’t too hard to detect when present and screenings are quick. For full transparency, we’ll give you a heads up before starting both the visual and physical portions of the exam so you’re kept comfortable.
Throughout the visit, we’ll look for:
- Lip or mouth sores
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Abnormal swellings, lumps, or bumps
- Discoloration on the lips, gums, or tongue
- Mouth ulcers
Key Components of a Screening
Good news: there’s no prep needed on your end for an oral cancer screening. All you need to do is show up to our Ocoee, FL, dental office and relax in one of our exam chairs. If you’re also in for a regular checkup and teeth cleaning, we’ll complete those portions of the visit after the screening.
In general, an oral cancer screening involves:
- Patient History Review: We’ll start with a thorough look at your medical history. This includes info about lifestyle habits such as tobacco and alcohol use, as these are significant .
- Visual Exam: A detailed visual inspection of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, the lining of the cheeks, the roof and floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. Changes in color, texture, or the presence of any abnormal growths or lesions are carefully observed.
- Palpation (Physical Exam): We’ll use our hands to feel for anything “off” in the oral tissues. This includes gently touching the neck, jaw, and oral structures to detect any lumps, swelling, or changes in texture.
- Examination of High-Risk Areas: We’ll pay close attention to areas of the oral cavity that are considered high-risk zones for developing oral cancer (lateral borders of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the soft palate).
Note → A biopsy, specialized lights, dyes, or imaging devices will only be used if suspicious abnormalities are found by one of our dentists. We’ll discuss every step with you so you’re aware of what to expect.
Call Our Ocoee Office Today
It’s easy to tack on an oral cancer screening while you’re in for a checkup so why not? Our , recommend you receive one at least every year but we can always conduct additional exams if you have a concern. Call Classic Smiles today at (407) 378-0139 to request an appointment or feel free to fill out our online contact form.
