Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection Could Save Your Life
Oral cancer can affect anyone. And often, it doesn’t show obvious symptoms until it’s advanced. At Millcreek Family Dental, we prioritize your overall health by offering quick, comfortable, and potentially life-saving oral cancer screenings during routine dental visits. Early detection may give you the best chance for successful oral cancer treatment, offering peace of mind.
Why Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
You may not realize it, but oral cancer can develop silently. That’s why regular screenings with a trained eye are so important. At Millcreek Family Dental in Bountiful, our oral cancer screenings are designed to be:
- Quick and Non-Invasive: The entire exam takes only a few minutes and is minimally invasive.
- Thorough and Accurate: We examine your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, gums, and other soft tissues for any abnormalities.
- Potentially Life-Saving: Detecting early warning signs can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Who Should Get Screened?
Dr. Baird recommends oral cancer screenings for all adult patients, especially those with the following risk factors:
- Dr. Baird recommends oral cancer screenings for all adult patients, especially those with the following risk factors:
- Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus) exposure
- Prolonged sun exposure (risk for lip cancer)
- A history of oral cancer or precancerous lesions
Even if you don’t have any risk factors, it’s still important to stay ahead of potential problems with regular screenings.
What We Look For During an Oral Cancer Exam
During your screening, Dr. Baird will check for and may ask you about these potential signs:
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Sores that don’t heal
- Lumps, bumps, or thickened areas
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness
- Pain or numbness in the face, neck, or mouth
If anything suspicious is found, or if you have any of these symptoms, we’ll guide you through the next steps and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Your Health Starts With Prevention
Routine oral cancer screenings are one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to stay proactive about your health. At Millcreek Family Dental, we’re here to provide compassionate care and preventive dental services to help you stay healthy for the long run.
Take the first step toward peace of mind.
Schedule your visit for an oral cancer screening today.