How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?

Dentist drilling a tooth of young woman

When was the last time you had an oral cancer screening? Has it been several years? You are putting your smile and overall health in danger. Oral cancer screenings are effective in the early detection of mouth cancer for successful treatment.

Grand Dental Arts in Toms River, New Jersey, offers routine oral cancer screenings to detect signs of mouth cancer for prompt treatment. Although an oral cancer exam lasts a few minutes, it can be life-saving. Schedule an oral cancer check-up today to protect your health.

What is a mouth cancer exam?

It’s an exam your doctor performs to identify signs of precancerous and cancerous abnormalities. Generally, a mouth cancer exam involves visually inspecting your tongue, palate, lips, etc., to identify lesions, patches, sores, and other unusual signs. The dentist also physically palpates your jaw, neck, chin, etc., to check for any bumps, lumps, and abnormal swellings.

Sometimes, the dentist may use special lights and dyes to separate abnormal tissues from healthy ones. Depending on the results, your dentist will refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

When should I be screened for oral cancer?

The beauty of mouth cancer is that you don’t have to schedule a separate dental exam. Drs. Williamson and Ijaz usually screen your mouth for cancer signs during your typical dental exam.

We advise patients to get a mouth cancer exam at least once per year. Routine cancer exams are crucial in early cancer detection. And like all cancers, the earlier we detect oral cancer, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

Call Our Office for More Information

Reach US: 732-286-7000 or BOOK APPOINTMENT

Should everyone get an oral cancer screening?

Yes! Everyone is at risk of oral cancer, so we all should be screened for mouth cancer. However, you should consider frequent screenings if you engage in habits or have a history of the below.

Smoking, chewing, or inhaling tobacco
Heavy alcohol intake
Heavy sunlight exposure
Past cancer history
Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV)

While these symptoms may indicate other conditions, notify your dentist if you experience persistent mouth sores, unexplained mouth bleeding, discolored patches, or difficulty swallowing. Among other things, we will administer an oral cancer exam to leave nothing to chance—better be safe than sorry!

Oral cancer screening near me

Early detection is the best way to fight mouth cancer. Contact Grand Dental Arts at 732-286-7000 to schedule your oral cancer screening today. Alternatively, you can book a convenient online appointment.