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!
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
If your dentist conducts an oral cancer screening after your dental exam and professional cleaning, you might assume they’ve found potential indicators that you’ve already developed this issue. But the truth is that this step is often included as a standard part of routine appointments to help catch the disease as early as possible. That means it’s usually included in your visit as a preventive measure rather than in response to a potential problem.
This screening usually involves visually assessing the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of the mouth, for any unusual tissue textures, blisters, masses, or discoloration.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
You might think this is unnecessary if you’ve kept up with routine dental visits and have implemented a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine. But oral cancer is incredibly dangerous. For example, in the U.S. alone, an estimated 60,000+ cases of oral or oropharyngeal cancers are diagnosed annually, and the 5-year survival rate is about 69.9%. However, this statistic changes dramatically if the condition reaches more advanced stages before it’s caught.
Thankfully, it only takes your dentist a few minutes to screen your tissues and identify potential problems. But if it’s been a while since your last visit, you might worry you already have a problem or wonder whether you can check your dental condition on your own at home.
Can I Screen My Mouth for Oral Cancer At Home?
Thankfully, it’s possible to screen your own mouth for potential indicators of oral cancer, but it requires a few materials. For instance, you’ll need a mirror, a light source, and a pieces of gauze.
To do so, stand in front of a mirror or use a handheld one to see the soft tissues of your oral cavity. You can use a flashlight or special device, such as a Throat Scope ™ to illuminate hidden areas or darker corners so you can see more clearly. The gauze can help you examine the top, bottom, and sides of your tongue. You can also use a handheld mirror to view the gums behind your teeth and the roof of your mouth, which can be challenging standing in front of a larger reflection.
Then, make note of any potential concerns, like ulcers, lumps, sores, or white or red patches that last for more than 2 weeks.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to contact your dentist for a follow-up visit as soon as possible!
About the Practice
Children and adults at Sweet Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics benefit from two provider who are passionate about helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Fitzgerald and Dr. Lopez collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including routine dental checkups, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings, to people of all ages near Parker. Their patient-focused approach, combined with advanced technology, delivers comfortable, accurate, and beautiful results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (303) 688-9519.