Stay Proactive, Stay Healthy with Regular Screenings
Oral Cancer Screenings in Melbourne, FL
Protecting your oral health goes beyond maintaining a bright smile — it also means staying vigilant against serious conditions like oral cancer. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings to help detect signs of this disease early, when treatment is most effective. Regular screenings are a crucial part of preventive care and can potentially save lives.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply keeping up with your routine checkups, our team is here to provide the thorough care and peace of mind you deserve. As a trusted dental Melbourne FL provider, we’re committed to your total health, not just your teeth.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and throat designed to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous changes. During this evaluation, your dentist looks for any abnormal tissue, discolorations, sores that don’t heal, or unusual lumps or textures.
While the process only takes a few minutes, its impact can be significant. Oral cancer is often treatable when caught early, but because it can progress without noticeable symptoms, regular screenings are essential, especially for patients with certain risk factors.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer screenings are one of the most overlooked but vital parts of a routine dental exam. Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, and early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize they’re at risk until it’s too late. Some of the reasons oral cancer screenings are so important include:
- Early detection saves lives: Cancers caught in the earliest stages are much easier to treat.
- Oral cancer can be asymptomatic: It may not cause pain or noticeable symptoms until advanced.
- Risk factors are common: Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, and sun exposure are all linked to oral cancer.
- Your dentist is your first line of defense: We’re trained to spot signs that others may miss.
If you’re searching for a dental Melbourne FL office that prioritizes thorough care, Artistic Touch Dentistry is proud to offer oral cancer screenings at every preventive visit.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are simple and painless. During your exam, our dentist will:
- Examine your face, neck, lips, and oral cavity for any signs of abnormalities.
- Use gloved hands to gently feel for lumps or swelling in your mouth and throat.
- Inspect the soft tissues inside your cheeks, under your tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
- Ask about any symptoms you may have noticed, like persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes.
If anything unusual is detected, we may recommend additional tests, a biopsy, or a referral to a specialist. Rest assured, we will walk you through each step and ensure you get the answers you need.
Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings?
Everyone can benefit from routine oral cancer screenings, but some individuals have a higher risk. You should especially prioritize regular screenings if you:
- Use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco
- Consume alcohol frequently
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have been diagnosed with HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Spend a lot of time in the sun (increases the risk of lip cancer)
- Are over the age of 40
Even if none of these risk factors apply to you, oral cancer can still occur, making screenings an essential part of any dental wellness routine. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, your screenings are part of our commitment to full-spectrum dental Melbourne FL care.
How Often Should Screenings Be Done?
We recommend that adults receive oral cancer screenings at least once per year, typically during their routine dental exams. However, patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings. If you have concerns or are experiencing unusual symptoms, don’t wait — schedule a visit with us right away.
Symptoms to Watch For Between Visits
Although your dentist plays a key role in detecting oral cancer, you can also watch for warning signs between appointments. Contact us if you notice any of the following:
- A sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Persistent mouth pain or numbness
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A change in your voice or a chronic sore throat
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
Don’t ignore these symptoms. Early detection can make all the difference in your outcome.
Trust Artistic Touch Dentistry for Comprehensive Screenings
When you choose Artistic Touch Dentistry, you’re choosing a practice that cares about more than just your teeth. Our Melbourne, FL dentist team is dedicated to proactive, personalized care, and that includes protecting you from conditions like oral cancer.
We believe in empowering patients through education and preventive strategies. By offering routine oral cancer screenings, we’re helping patients take charge of their health with confidence. It’s just one more way we deliver compassionate, thorough dental care you can rely on.
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
If it’s been more than a year since your last oral cancer screening — or if you’ve never had one — now is the perfect time to schedule a visit. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, your safety, comfort, and long-term wellness are always our top priorities.
Call today to book an appointment with a trusted Melbourne FL dentist and take a proactive step toward protecting your health. Regular screenings are simple, quick, and possibly life-saving. Let us help you stay ahead of potential problems and keep your smile strong for years to come.