Understanding the Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer often goes undetected in its early stages because it may not cause pain or noticeable symptoms. Unfortunately, this leads to many cases being diagnosed only when the disease has progressed, making treatment more difficult and reducing survival rates. However, when caught early through regular screenings, oral cancer is highly treatable and often curable.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental exams. These quick and painless evaluations can identify early warning signs of oral cancer, sometimes before you even realize anything is wrong. In this blog, we’ll explore why early detection is critical, the signs to watch for, and how routine dental visits can protect your health.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 to Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening in Beverly Today.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that occur in the mouth and throat areas, including the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Floor of the mouth
- Roof of the mouth
- Tonsils
- Throat (pharynx)
- Gums
It is part of a broader group known as head and neck cancers. Like many forms of cancer, early diagnosis significantly improves the likelihood of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Why Early Detection of Oral Cancer Matters
The survival rate for oral cancer is highly dependent on the stage at which it’s diagnosed.
- When detected early, the five-year survival rate is around 84%.
- When detected at a later stage, survival drops to approximately 50%.
Early diagnosis not only improves survival chances but also allows for less invasive treatments, shorter recovery times, and a better quality of life.
Since many early signs of oral cancer are subtle or painless, regular screenings with your dentist are often the first line of defense.
What Causes Oral Cancer? Risk Factors to Know
While oral cancer can affect anyone, some people are at higher risk due to lifestyle habits and other health conditions. Common risk factors include:
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption: Especially when combined with tobacco use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV): A common sexually transmitted infection linked to throat cancer
- Prolonged sun exposure: Can increase the risk of lip cancer
- Age: Most cases occur in individuals over 40
- Poor diet: A lack of fruits and vegetables may play a role
- Weakened immune system or a history of other cancers
Reducing these risk factors and scheduling regular screenings are essential steps toward protecting your oral and overall health.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Early-stage oral cancer may not cause pain, but there are still symptoms to look for. If you notice any of the following, it’s important to contact your dentist or doctor:
- Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness in the mouth or tongue
- Hoarseness or sore throat that doesn’t go away
- Ear pain on one side
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
These signs don’t always mean you have oral cancer, but they should always be evaluated to rule out more serious conditions.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we include oral cancer screenings as a routine part of your dental exam. The screening only takes a few minutes and includes:
- Visual Exam: We’ll look for any discolorations, sores, patches, or swelling inside your mouth and throat.
- Physical Exam: We’ll feel the neck, jaw, and oral tissues for lumps or irregularities.
- Review of Symptoms: We may ask about any ongoing issues like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained oral discomfort.
If we notice anything unusual, we may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy or a referral to a specialist.
How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Most adults should receive an oral cancer screening at least once a year, typically during a dental checkup. However, those with higher risk factors (such as tobacco or alcohol use) may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Routine screenings are especially important if you’ve had oral cancer in the past, as recurrence is more likely.
The Role of Your Dentist in Oral Cancer Prevention
Your dentist plays a key role in detecting early signs of oral cancer, often before symptoms become noticeable. Dentists are trained to identify abnormalities that might not be visible or noticeable to you. Because dental visits typically occur more frequently than general physical exams, they’re a vital opportunity to catch issues early.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we prioritize comprehensive, preventive care, and that includes regular screenings for oral cancer during your checkups.
Self-Checks at Home: What to Look For
In addition to professional screenings, we encourage our patients to perform simple oral self-checks at home once a month.
Here’s how:
- Stand in front of a mirror in good lighting
- Examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth
- Feel your neck and jaw for any lumps
- Look for changes in color, texture, or any unusual sores
If you notice anything suspicious, contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
How Smiley Dental of Beverly Can Help
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and to support your overall health through preventive care. Our dental team is committed to early detection and provides:
- Annual oral cancer screenings during dental exams
- Thorough head and neck evaluations
- Patient education about warning signs and risk factors
- Referrals to oral surgeons or specialists when needed
We believe that regular dental visits are about more than just cleanings—they’re an opportunity to monitor for serious health issues like oral cancer.
Final Thoughts
Oral cancer is a serious condition, but early detection can dramatically increase your chances of a full recovery. With regular screenings and awareness of the warning signs, you can take proactive steps toward protecting your health.
At Smiley Dental of Beverly, we’re here to provide comprehensive care for your smile and your overall wellness. Make your oral health a priority—schedule a screening today and take the first step in prevention.
📞 Call (978) 288-1000 now to book your appointment. Your smile—and your health—depend on it.
