Oral Cancer Screenings
Protect your oral health and overall health with proper screenings
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile and body. At CarolinasDentist, we use thorough, professional examinations to detect early signs of oral cancer. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, making regular screenings a vital part of your dental care routine.
Have a question or concern for us? Ready to schedule your next visit? Contact us today!
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer can develop in many areas of the mouth and throat, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, many cases aren’t diagnosed until the disease has progressed. By making oral cancer screenings part of your regular dental visits, you give yourself the best chance for early intervention and successful treatment.
Our team looks for even the smallest changes that might indicate a problem, using both visual and tactile exams—sometimes supplemented with advanced diagnostic tools—to help ensure nothing goes unnoticed. These screenings only take a few minutes but can make a life-saving difference.
Common Signs of Oral Cancer
Common symptoms that can indicate the presence of oral cancer include:
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lumps or thickened tissue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained pain or tenderness
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Numbness in the lips, tongue, or mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, it’s important to schedule a dental exam promptly.
Oral Cancer Screenings FAQs
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase the risk. Tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure are leading risk factors. Additionally, individuals with a history of HPV infection, weakened immune systems, or a family history of cancer may face higher risks. Age also plays a role, with most cases diagnosed in adults over 40. Regular dental checkups are essential for early detection, especially if you have these risk factors.
An oral cancer screening is a simple, painless procedure performed during your routine dental exam. Your dentist carefully examines the inside of your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and neck for any unusual changes, such as sores, discoloration, or lumps. In some cases, special lights or tools may be used to detect abnormalities not visible to the naked eye. Screenings take only a few minutes but are a vital step in identifying oral cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
We recommend that all adult patients receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year during their regular dental exams. However, if you use tobacco, consume alcohol regularly, or have other risk factors, more frequent screenings may be advised. At your routine visit, we will help determine the schedule that’s best for you.
This dentist office and staff are AWESOME!! From the door, the front desk staff was Awesome they saved my spot, when most places cancel after 15 min but they still seen me. Paulina was my saving grace , she was able to take my anxiety from 100 to 0, I was able to do my xrays and get my treatment plan, the hygienist was great and gentle , Dr. V was awesome as well with explaining everything to me. I would recommend anyone that has dental anxiety to go here and give them a try. The drive 50 minutes to get there was more than worth it for me. I feel better and I now know I can get the treatment I need. Thank you Carolina Dentist for helping me feel okay and comfortable. The caring and compassion here for their patients are great!! Megan also broke down all prices for me!! Awesome as well !!
My dental hygienist Natasha was by far the best I ever had to clean my teeth she took her time cleaning my teeth as well as explain things and give me pointers to help me. My teeth never felt this clean before and I’ve had my teeth cleaned many many times I walked out the office pleased with her work and actually looking forward to my next visit if I could give her more than five stars I would .
Angela is the best dental hygienist that I’ve encountered in a while! She did a great job and takes her job seriously!! She is very welcoming and has a great sense of humor. I can’t wait to see her again!
