An oral cancer screening is an opportunity for the dentist to look for the warning signs before it’s too late. While that might sound ominous, it’s one of the most beneficial things that you can do for your overall health. Because issues that start in the mouth can eventually impact your whole body, we’ll look at what you can expect if you choose to get an oral screening in Gilbert, AZ.

What We Look for

An oral cancer screening is essentially a more advanced type of checkup. During the process, a dentist in Gilbert, AZ will look for the following:

• Spots or sores: Red or white marks anywhere in an oral cavity can signify the start of a cancerous cell formation. If you have a sore that either bleeds easily or hasn’t healed, it’s important to have a dentist check out the area to confirm the nature of the sore. Other warning signs include unexplained lumps or thickened/rough spots in the mouth.
• Pain or numbness: If you’re experiencing pain, numbness, or tenderness around the mouth or lips, it may be due to oral cancer.
• Movement Issues: If you’re finding it hard to chew, swallow, or speak, you’ll want to see a dentist to find out exactly why.

Thankfully, our team can be thorough without taking up your entire day. We examine your oral cavities, not just the teeth, to ensure there are no abnormalities.

Dentists in Gilbert, AZ

From diet to alcohol use, there are a number of ways that you can prevent the odds of oral cancer. If you have questions about what you can do to keep it at bay or want to schedule an appointment with us, the staff at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry is at your service.