Although the American Dental Association recommends seeing the dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning, only an estimated 50% to 64% of Americans have done so.

You might think it’s safe to skip your next routine preventive visit if you haven’t noticed obvious issues, like cavities or gum disease. However, these aren’t the only concerns your dentist looks for. For example, they also screen the soft tissues of your mouth for signs of oral cancer. If you’re worried about this condition, continue reading to learn more about why screenings matter and whether you can check your own tissues at home!