Oral Cancer Screening in Oakdale, CA

About 30,000 people in the US are affected by oral cancer each year, which is a fatal disease. For this reason, one of our preventive dentistry procedures at Blackhart Dentistry is oral cancer screening. We perform oral cancer screenings in Oakdale, CA, as part of a routine examination during regular check-ups to detect warning signs early.

Early Detection for Lifesaving Peace of Mind

Even though oral cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies, it is sometimes overlooked compared to lung and breast cancer, which further exacerbates the problem. Because few people are aware of their risk and often do not receive a diagnosis until it has progressed past its early stages, oral cancer is significantly more dangerous. Because our goal at Blackhart Dentistry is to identify oral cancer early and stop it from spreading, mouth cancer screenings are crucial.

One of the best things about oral cancer screening is how quick and easy it is, allowing us to do it during your regular visits. Throughout the screening, our experienced doctors and hygienists will inspect your oral tissues for abnormalities, such as strange textures or red or white areas.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

During an oral cancer screening, we will check for early signs of mouth cancer that people frequently don’t notice. Among these symptoms are the following:

• Spots of red or white on the tongue, cheeks, or other soft tissues
• Mouth bleeding that has no apparent reason
• Erosion, swelling, lumps, or bumps in the gums, lips, or other oral tissues
• Pain or numbness in the lips, ears, neck, or face
• Having trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving your mouth
• Sores on the mouth, cheek, or neck that last longer than two weeks
• A persistent sore throat
• Rapid, unexplained, tooth movement.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

Oral cancer is more likely to strike patients who have a family history of the condition. Additionally, if you participate in or have a history of any of the following, you may be at a higher risk for oral cancer:

• Use of tobacco products, such as pipes, cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vaping
• Alcohol abuse
• Regular exposure to the sun
• Mouth cancer history

Mouth Cancer Screening in Oakdale

If you are a high-risk patient for oral cancer, it is best not to miss your routine dental checkups, when you can have screening. Blackhart Dentistry offers oral cancer screening in Oakdale, CA, and we can help you find early signs of the disease.