Oral cancer is more common than many think, affecting well over 50,000 individuals in the U.S. every year. Fortunately, if it’s caught early, the chances of successful treatment are favorable. Our dentists in Fort Smith, Rogers, and Springdale, AR, prefer to get ahead of things by regularly performing standard oral cancer screenings for patients of all risk levels. The process itself is quick, painless, and allows for abnormal lumps, bumps, or lesions to be identified, all while providing peace of mind and a clear path forward for treatment.
Learn more about the screenings for oral cancer that we provide below.
While anyone can benefit from a mouth cancer screening, our local family dentists highly recommend them for people with higher risk factors. These include:
Even if you feel fine, early signs of oral cancer often go unnoticed without a professional exam. That’s why regular screenings are key: they can catch potential problems early, when they’re most treatable.
An oral cancer screening is straightforward and typically completed in just a few minutes. It involves both visual and physical assessments, performed by one of our trained hygienists.
First, we’ll visually inspect your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We’re looking for unusual red or white patches, sores that won’t heal, or any areas that appear suspicious.
Next, using gloved hands, we will gently feel along your jawline, neck, and under your tongue to check for any lumps, swellings, or irregular textures, especially around the lymph nodes. If anything unusual is found, we may recommend further evaluation.
Oral cancer screenings are fast, non-invasive, and an essential part of comprehensive dental care. Whether you have risk factors or just want to stay proactive about your health, our dentists in Rogers, Springdale, and Fort Smith, AR, recommend adding a screening to your next visit. Call one of our Parklane Family Dental offices today or contact us online to request an appointment.
