Most people think of dental checkups as a time to talk about cavities, cleanings, and possibly gum health. But those routine visits do a lot more than keep your smile looking good.
One key role our dental team at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group plays is screening for early signs of oral cancer, often before you notice anything is wrong.
Oral cancer can affect your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of your mouth, and throat. When caught early, treatment is typically more effective and less invasive.
Unfortunately, early-stage oral cancer doesn’t always cause pain or obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental visits are so important. We’re trained to spot subtle changes that could signal a problem.
Among the first things we look for are sores that don’t heal. While canker sores or irritation from biting your cheek are common, a sore that lasts longer than two weeks deserves attention.
We check for red, white, or mixed-color patches that appear on your tongue, gums, or inside your cheeks, as these can sometimes be early warning signs.
Healthy oral tissue should look pink and feel smooth. During an exam, we carefully check areas for thickened tissue, rough patches, or places that feel firm or lumpy.
White patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) can sometimes be linked to abnormal cell changes, especially if we can’t scrape them away.
We don’t just look inside your mouth; we also feel along your jaw, neck, and under your chin. Swelling, lumps, or tenderness in these areas can indicate changes in lymph nodes, which may be associated with infection or, in some cases, cancer.
These checks are quick, painless, and incredibly valuable.
If you’ve mentioned symptoms like ongoing hoarseness, a feeling of something stuck in your throat, or trouble swallowing, we take note. These issues don’t always point to oral cancer, but when combined with other signs, they may prompt further evaluation.
A sudden change in your bite or how dentures fit can sometimes signal swelling or tissue changes beneath the surface. As your dental team, we’re often the first to notice these subtle shifts during routine exams.
Pay attention to changes in your mouth and report anything unusual to us, especially sores, numbness, or unexplained bleeding. Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol use, and continue to see us for your regular dental checkups.
Routine dental visits aren’t just about your teeth; they’re an important line of defense for your overall health. By catching early signs of oral cancer, we can help protect more than your smile.
Contact our office in Washington, DC, today to book an appointment for an oral health evaluation.
