Apart from looking for indicators of tooth decay and gum disease, your dentist can also screen for more serious conditions such as oral cancer. This is typically performed as part of a routine dental checkup. Here’s more on what oral cancer screening entails.

How Do They Perform the Visual Exam?

Oral cancer screenings are crucial in catching this disease in its early stage when it’s easiest to remove or cure. These precautionary examinations usually take about five minutes or less and generally begin with a conversation about your oral health and medical history. If you have dentures, you will need to take them out. Then, the dentist will carry out a visual inspection of your face, jaw, neck, and mouth to look for signs of oral cancer. 

If there are lesions or other unusual findings, you may need to make a follow-up visit to see if there have been any changes. Your dentist may also recommend a biopsy procedure to determine the presence of cancer cells. However, keep in mind that additional investigation does not always mean a cancer diagnosis. 

What Screening Devices Assist in Oral Cancer Screenings?

Dental professionals normally use light and a mirror to check inside the mouth, as well as a tongue depressor to look at the back of the mouth. Other tools they may use include:

• An oral brush that collects cells painlessly for testing
• A mouth rinse that assists in the inspection of mouth tissues
• A blue light that can reveal recent suspicious oral tissues

What Do They Check For During Mouth Cancer Screenings?

Dentists watch for anything out of the ordinary, such as swelling, lumps, bumps, sores, rough or white patches, nodules or masses, unexplained bleeding, numbness, and chronic sore throat.

Aside from these common symptoms of oral cancer, a medical professional may also ask you about tobacco use, dramatic weight loss, difficulty in moving your jaw or tongue, or other oral health changes. It’s important to be open and honest with your answers because early diagnosis is critical in preventing cancer spread.

A cancer screening is a vital part of any dental visit. Katz Family Dentistry in Webster, NY, offers top-notch oral care services that improve your overall wellness. They use advanced dental technology and treatment to give the best oral cancer screening, aesthetic dentistry, root canal, dentures, and more. Call (585) 671-2340 to schedule an appointment with or visit their website to send a message online.