Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a serious condition, but like most cancers, it is highly treatable when detected early. At Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI, oral cancer screening is a routine part of every comprehensive dental exam because we believe that prevention and early detection are two of the most valuable things we can offer our patients. A few minutes of careful examination can genuinely make a life-saving difference.

Oral cancer can develop in many areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate, and throat. Risk factors include tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a history of HPV infection, and a personal or family history of oral cancer. However, it is important to know that oral cancer can also occur in patients with none of these risk factors, which is why universal screening during regular dental visits is so important.

During your oral cancer screening at Creating Beautiful Smiles, your provider will carefully examine all of the soft tissues of your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, gum tissue, the floor and roof of the mouth, and the back of the throat. We look for any unusual changes in color, texture, or tissue that could indicate an area of concern. If anything is identified that warrants a closer look, we will discuss next steps with you clearly and supportively, and ensure you are referred appropriately if needed.

While your dental team screens for oral cancer during your regular checkups, it is also valuable to know what to watch for on your own between visits. Becoming familiar with how your mouth normally looks and feels makes it easier to notice when something changes, which is always worth bringing to our attention promptly.

Signs that should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional include any sore in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal within two weeks, a red or white patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth, a lump or thickening anywhere in the mouth or throat, persistent difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, numbness or pain in any area of the mouth or face, or a chronic sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

None of these symptoms necessarily indicates cancer — many have entirely benign explanations — but they are always worth checking out promptly rather than waiting to see if they go away on their own. At Creating Beautiful Smiles, we welcome any question or concern and would always rather evaluate something that turns out to be nothing than miss something that matters. Your health and peace of mind are our priority.