At Durant Dental, your health and safety are our top priorities, beyond just your teeth. That’s why our team includes oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups. Oral cancer is a serious, and sometimes silent, condition that can progress rapidly without noticeable symptoms at first. Early detection is critical, and our trusted Durant dentist is trained to spot warning signs before they become life-threatening.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During your visit to Durant Dental, our skilled dental team will carefully examine all areas of your mouth, including:
- Lips and inner cheeks
- Tongue and gums
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Throat and tonsil area
- Jaw and neck for any unusual lumps or swelling
We also encourage patients to tell us about any persistent symptoms they’ve noticed. If something feels off and hasn’t gone away in over a week, let us know right away.
Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Early signs of oral cancer can often be mistaken for minor irritations, which is why screenings are so important. Be on the lookout for:
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- A constant sore throat or hoarse voice
- Unexplained bleeding
- Pain in one ear without hearing loss
- Numbness in the face, mouth, or neck
- Sudden weight loss
- A lump in your neck or jaw
If you’re experiencing any of these, contact our Durant dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors raise your risk:
- Tobacco use (including smoking and chewing)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Frequent sun exposure (especially for lips)
- A family history of cancer
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Poor nutrition
- Acid reflux (GERD)
- Age 40 and older
Men are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer, but early detection remains the key to survival for everyone.
Why Early Detection Matters
When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of up to 90%. Treatments are typically less invasive and more successful during the early stages. Waiting too long, however, allows the disease to spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more complex and outcomes less favorable.
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening in Durant Today
At Durant Dental, we believe in proactive care. Our experienced Durant dentist is here to help protect your health with regular oral cancer screenings. If it’s been a while since your last exam, or if you’ve noticed concerning symptoms, contact us today to schedule your visit. Early action can save your life.