Taking care of your oral health expands beyond regular cleanings to include simple, routine screenings that can provide tremendous peace of mind and potentially save your life. Oral cancer screenings are quick, comfortable, and completely painless procedures that can detect problems in their earliest, most treatable stages when success rates are highest.
At Brilliant Dental Care, we make oral cancer screenings a seamless part of your regular dental visits, so you can focus on maintaining your beautiful smile while we focus on protecting your overall health. Dr. Kevin Freeman and our caring team use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure you get the most thorough and accurate screenings available, giving you confidence in your oral health and the knowledge that any concerns will be handled promptly and professionally.
Understanding Oral Cancer and Its Risk Factors
Oral cancer can grow anywhere in your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. This type of cancer often begins as a small, painless growth or sore that may seem harmless at first glance. Unfortunately, many people dismiss these early warning signs, allowing the cancer to develop to more advanced stages where treatment becomes more complicated and survival rates decrease significantly.
Several factors can enhance your risk of developing oral cancer, including the following:
- Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A family history of cancer
- Age, as most oral cancers occur in people over 40
The good news is that regular screenings can spot oral cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. During your routine dental visits, our team performs thorough examinations of all the soft tissues in your mouth, looking for any unusual changes, growths, or lesions that warrant further investigation.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Detection
At Brilliant Dental Care, we utilize state-of-the-art technology to enhance our oral cancer screening capabilities. Our digital X-ray systems provide detailed images that help us identify abnormalities that might not be visible during a visual examination. Additionally, our digital cone beam scans provide three-dimensional imaging that gives us a comprehensive view of your oral structures.
During your screening, Dr. Freeman will carefully examine your mouth, throat, and neck, feeling for any lumps, bumps, or irregular tissue. We look for red or white patches, persistent sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, or changes in your voice. The screening process is quick, comfortable, and completely painless, typically taking just a few extra minutes during your regular dental appointment.
If we discover anything suspicious during your examination, we may suggest additional testing or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Early intervention and prompt treatment significantly improve outcomes, which is why we take every potential concern seriously and ensure you receive the appropriate care.
What to Expect During Your Screening
Your oral cancer screening begins the moment you walk into our office. We start by reviewing your medical history and discussing any symptoms or concerns you may have noticed. Dr. Freeman will ask about your lifestyle habits, family history, and any changes you’ve observed in your mouth or throat.
The physical examination involves both visual and tactile components. We’ll examine your lips, gums, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks using proper lighting and magnification to identify any abnormal areas. Dr. Freeman will also feel your neck and jaw area to check for swollen lymph nodes or other irregularities that could indicate a problem.
Throughout the process, we explain what we’re doing and answer any questions you might have. Our team believes in keeping you informed about your oral health, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the care you’re receiving. The entire screening takes just a few minutes and causes no discomfort whatsoever.
Early Detection Saves Lives
The statistics surrounding oral cancer emphasize the critical importance of early detection. When oral cancer is caught in Stage 1, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. However, when the cancer has spread to surrounding lymph nodes or other areas, that survival rate drops dramatically to around 65%. Unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer go undetected until they reach advanced stages because people don’t receive regular screenings or ignore early symptoms.
Regular dental exams that include oral cancer screenings give you the best chance of catching any problems early. We recommend that most adults receive screenings at least twice a year during their routine dental cleanings and examinations. However, if you have elevated risk factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use, or a family history of cancer, we may suggest more frequent screenings.
Some early signs you should never ignore include:
- Persistent sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Numbness in your mouth or tongue
- A lump or thickening in your cheek
Remember, these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have oral cancer, but they do warrant professional evaluation. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, and only a qualified dental professional can make an accurate diagnosis.
Oral Cancer Screenings at Brilliant Dental Care
Your health and peace of mind matter to us at Brilliant Dental Care. Dr. Freeman brings years of experience and advanced training from his postdoctoral residency at the UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care. Since beginning his practice in 2000, he has remained dedicated to staying current with the latest diagnostic techniques and technology, providing his patients with the most accurate and comprehensive screenings possible.
We understand that thinking about oral cancer can be frightening, but knowledge and early detection are your best defenses. Our team creates a comfortable, supportive environment where you can express your concerns openly and receive the professional care you deserve. To schedule your oral cancer screening or to learn more about our preventive services, contact our office through our convenient online contact form.
