When you go to the office for your regular checkup, you probably expect the usual: a bit of cleaning, a nice polish, and maybe a reminder to floss more often. But there is another part of the visit that is just as important, even though it only takes a minute or two. That is the oral cancer screening.

At Dental Design Studio, we believe that your dental visit is about more than just your teeth; it is about your whole health. Many people do not realize that a dentist in Shorewood, IL, is often the first person to spot oral cancer. Because we see inside your mouth more often than your regular doctor does, we are in the best spot to see changes before they become serious.

In this guide, we will talk about why we do these checks, what we are looking for, and what you can watch for at home.

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Done?

The most honest answer is that finding it early saves lives. Like many other types of health problems, oral cancer is much easier to treat when it is caught right at the start. The big problem is that early oral cancer usually doesn't hurt, and it can be hard to see if you don't know what to look for.

Finding it Early is Key

When oral cancer is found early, the chance of getting better is very high. However, because it often goes unnoticed, many cases are not found until the cancer has spread to other areas. By doing a regular check at Dental Design Studio, we try to catch anything unusual long before it reaches that point.

A Quick and Simple Process

One of the best things about this check is that it is very easy. You do not have to do anything to get ready for it, and it does not hurt. Your dentist in Shorewood, IL, simply uses their eyes and hands to check your tongue, throat, lips, and gums. It is a simple step that helps you feel a lot more at ease.

What Happens During a Screening?

If you are a regular patient at Dental Design Studio, you have likely had many of these checks without even knowing it. Here is a breakdown of what we are doing while you are sitting in the chair.

Looking Around

Your dentist will look at your lips, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. We will ask you to stick out your tongue so we can see the back and the sides, which are common spots for issues to hide. We are looking for changes in color, like bright red or white patches, or any sores that look out of place.

Feeling for Lumps

Using gloved hands, your dentist in Shorewood, IL, will feel the skin inside your mouth and under your jaw. We are checking for lumps, bumps, or "thick" spots that feel different from the rest of your mouth. We also check your neck and the area around your ears to feel for any swollen spots.

Special Tools

Sometimes, a dentist in Shorewood, IL, might use a special light or a mouth rinse that makes certain cells stand out. These tools help us see things that might be hard to spot under regular light.

The Symptoms You Should Know

While we check you over every six months at Dental Design Studio, you are the one who knows your mouth best. If you notice something that stays around for more than two weeks, it is worth giving us a call.

Common Warning Signs

• Sores that won't heal: This is the most common sign. If you have a mouth sore that doesn't go away after two weeks, have a professional look at it.
• White or red patches: These can show up on the gums, tongue, or the inside of your lips.
• A sore throat that won't go away: If you feel like something is "stuck" in your throat or your voice has been raspy for a long time, it needs a checkup.
• Trouble chewing or swallowing: Feeling pain or stiffness when moving your jaw or tongue is a warning sign.
• Numbness: If your tongue or any part of your mouth feels numb for no reason, tell your dentist in Shorewood, IL.

Don't Panic, But Don't Wait

It is important to remember that most lumps and sores in the mouth are NOT cancer. They could be from a small injury, a cold sore, or even a bite to the cheek. However, since you cannot tell just by looking, getting an expert opinion at Dental Design Studio is the only way to be sure.

Things That Increase Your Risk

Anyone can get oral cancer, but certain habits can make it more likely. Knowing these helps you stay more alert.

• Using Tobacco: This is the biggest risk. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and especially chewing tobacco.
• Heavy Drinking: Drinking a lot over a long time increases the risk. The risk is even higher for people who both drink and use tobacco.
• Too Much Sun: Just like skin cancer, you can get cancer on your lips from too much sun exposure.
• HPV: This common virus is now a leading cause of throat cancers, even in younger people.

No matter your habits, a regular check by a dentist in Shorewood, IL, is important for everyone.

Take Care of Your Health at Dental Design Studio

At the end of the day, our goal is to keep you healthy. Oral cancer checks are just one of the ways we look out for you. We want you to feel okay asking questions and talking to us about any changes you see in your mouth.

Schedule Your Checkup with a Dentist in Shorewood, IL

If it has been a while since your last exam, or if you have a sore that won't go away, please reach out. Our team is here to help you stay healthy. Contact Dental Design Studio today to book your next visit and get some peace of mind!