Each year, nearly 50,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and almost 10,000 deaths are attributed to the condition. Regular dental care checkups are essential to detecting this disease and limiting its effects, especially if you use tobacco products. Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, performs an oral cancer screening during every exam and explains what to expect when you receive one from your dentist.

3 Steps of an Oral Cancer Screening

1. Visual Exam

Oral cancer can develop in your hard palate, tongue, throat, cheeks, gums, and lips, so a dentist will examine each of these areas for abnormalities during your checkup. They will look for white or red patches, tissue erosion or thickening, lumps, and crusting. 

2. Hands-on Exam

Your dentist will feel your upper neck and jaw to detect irregularities like lumps and nodules or tenderness in your lymph nodes that might be caused by cancer. They also will look down your throat while you say “ah!” or swallow and check your tongue, neck, and salivary glands for swelling and other unusual changes.

3. Discussing Symptoms

As part of a cancer screening, your dentist will ask whether you have trouble swallowing or speaking and if you have experienced pain or numbness in your mouth or lips. These issues can signify the presence of oral cancer. The disease doesn’t always present with noticeable symptoms, so it’s critical to provide detailed answers to these questions during your dental care checkup. Early diagnosis of oral cancer offers the best chance of survival.

If you have a high risk of developing oral cancer, it’s essential to receive proper dental care, including two examinations and teeth cleanings a year from your dentist. They will provide a thorough oral screening and assess your potential for developing the disease. If you need a checkup in the Anchorage, AK, area, call Chinook Family Dentistry at (907) 272-8422 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website for more information about their services, including dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, and check their Facebook page for oral health tips and news from the practice.