Oral Cancer Screenings at Artistic Dentistry – Early Detection That Could Save Your Life
Protect More Than Your Smile. Protect Your Life.
Your smile is our priority—but your health and well-being come first. At Artistic Dentistry, every hygiene visit includes a thorough oral cancer screening because even the healthiest-looking mouths can hide silent threats.
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, and many cases aren’t detected until it’s too late. But with regular, painless screenings, we can catch subtle changes early—often before they become serious or life-threatening.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
During your checkup, we go beyond the teeth and gums. We examine the entire soft tissue environment inside your mouth and jaw:
- Cheeks and gums
- Lips and tongue
- The floor and roof of the mouth
- Back of the throat
- Jaw and neck area
- Tonsils and lymph nodes
This non-invasive process takes just a few minutes but can make a life-changing difference. Many patients are surprised at how much we look for during this exam—because cancer doesn’t always announce itself.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer can develop in anyone. But early signs are often painless and easy to miss:
- A persistent sore or ulcer that wwon’theal
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps, bumps, or thickened areas of tissue
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Numbness or tingling in the lips or tongue
These signs do not mean cancer—but when they do, early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment and recovery.
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 30,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year—and more than 7,000 will die from it. Routine screening is essential, even if you feel perfectly fine.
Tobacco Use and Oral Cancer – Know the Risk
While anyone can develop oral cancer, tobacco, and nicotine use dramatically increase the risk. Cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and chewing tobacco all contain carcinogenic chemicals that can trigger changes in your mouth’s delicate tissues.
Did you know?
- Chewing tobacco contains up to 3,000 harmful chemicals, including the same toxins used in embalming fluid and pesticides.
- Smokers are 6 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers
- Vaping is still under study, but early evidence links it to cellular damage in the mouth and throat
At Artistic Dentistry, we never judge but care deeply about your well-being. If you’re trying to quit, our team is here to offer support, encouragement, and resources to help you succeed.
What Happens If Something Looks Suspicious?
If we detect anything unusual during your screening, we may recommend:
- Monitoring the area over time with photo documentation
- A referral for a biopsy or lab analysis by a pathology specialist
- Collaboration with a medical provider or oral surgeon
Not all abnormalities are cancerous. Common non-cancerous lesions include:
- Oral warts or benign growths
- Autoimmune-related ulcers or blisters
- Inflammatory or trauma-related lesions
Our team has training in oral pathology, so we can help you understand what’s happening and whether it needs treatment or simply observation.
Why Choose Artistic Dentistry for Oral Cancer Screenings?
We don’t just care about your teeth—we care about you as a whole person. Every visit is a chance to support your full-body health, not just clean your teeth.
- Gentle, spa-like environment to ease anxiety
- Thorough head, neck, and mouth screening at every hygiene visit
- Ongoing monitoring and photographic tracking of tissue changes
- Personalized education, support, and referrals when needed
We don’t wait for symptoms. We look for signs before they become serious because early detection saves lives.
Schedule Your Peace of Mind Today
If it’s been a while since your last dental visit—or you’ve never had a soft tissue screening—now is the time. A few minutes of your time could protect decades of your life.
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening
At Artistic Dentistry, your health is always in good hands.
