You’ve probably heard us talk about the importance of regular dental exams, but did you know that every time you come in for a checkup at Spokane Dental, you are also being screened for oral cancer?

Oral cancer isn’t always on people’s radar, but it should be. It can affect anyone, and the earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome. That’s why oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every dental visit here in our office.

Let’s walk through what an oral cancer screening is, who is at risk, and why this simple step matters so much.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless part of your dental exam where we check the tissues in your mouth for any signs of abnormality.

Here’s what we’re looking at:

  • The insides of your cheeks and lips
  • The roof and floor of your mouth
  • Your tongue (including the sides and underside)
  • Your throat and tonsil area
  • The soft tissue of your gums and jaw

We’re looking for anything that seems unusual, like sores that aren’t healing, red or white patches, lumps, or areas that feel thickened or rough. If we see something that needs a closer look, we’ll talk through the next steps and refer you for further evaluation if needed.

Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:

  • Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
  • Excessive sun exposure (which can affect the lips)
  • Age (most cases occur in people over 40)
  • A history of oral or other types of cancer

Even if you don’t fall into any of these risk categories, it’s still important to be screened. Some cases of oral cancer occur in people with no known risk factors at all.

Why Early Detection Is So Important

Like many cancers, oral cancer is much more treatable when caught early. The problem is that symptoms can be subtle and easy to ignore or mistaken for something less serious, like a canker sore or a lingering sore throat.

That’s where regular dental visits come in.

At Spokane Dental, we’re trained to catch even the earliest signs of concern. These screenings only take a few minutes, but they could quite literally save a life.

What You Can Do

In addition to keeping up with your regular checkups, here are a few ways to stay proactive about your oral health:

  • Do a self-check once a month (look for any changes in your mouth or throat)
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
  • Use lip balm with SPF
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Let us know if you notice anything new or unusual between visits

Your health is our top priority every time you walk through our doors.

If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, now’s a great time to schedule one. We’ll take great care of your teeth and help protect your overall health while we’re at it.

Call us today at (509) 822-5614 to schedule your next checkup and oral cancer screening. Your future self will thank you.