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At Taylor Made Smiles, your health and well-being are always our top priorities. That’s why we regularly incorporate oral cancer screenings into routine dental exams at our Monroe office, based on each patient’s needs and visit history. Oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, making regular checkups essential to catching it early. Our screenings are quick, non-invasive, and could make a life-saving difference. Understanding Oral Cancer Oral cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth and surrounding areas. It can affect several parts of the oral cavity, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and the throat. In many cases, the disease begins as a small sore or lesion that doesn’t heal, which is why routine exams are so important. There are several risk factors associated with oral cancer. Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, significantly increases the risk. Alcohol consumption is another major contributor, particularly when combined with tobacco use. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, has also been linked to oropharyngeal cancers. Age is another factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over the age of 40. Extended sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer. Although anyone can develop oral cancer, those with these risk factors should be especially vigilant. Early detection and regular screenings can help ensure any abnormalities are identified quickly and accurately. What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening Oral cancer screenings at Taylor Made Smiles are performed as a standard part of your routine dental exam. They involve both visual and physical assessments of the mouth and surrounding tissues. The process is comfortable, takes just a few minutes, and is designed to detect signs of cancer before symptoms become serious. Visual Examination The first step of the screening involves a thorough visual inspection. Your dentist will look for any unusual signs, such as persistent red or white patches, sores that do not heal, thickened tissues, or unexplained bleeding. They will also check your lips, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of your mouth, and back of your throat for any discoloration or irregular appearance. Lighting and mirrors are used to enhance visibility and ensure a detailed examination. Checking for Swelling or Abnormalities The second part of the screening includes gentle palpation of the head and neck area. This involves feeling the jawline, neck, under the chin, and lymph nodes for any lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities. The physical exam helps identify potential concerns that may not be visible but could indicate underlying issues. Why Early Detection Matters Oral cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why consistent screening is so important. Early detection can significantly increase the likelihood of successful treatment. When caught at an early stage, oral cancer treatment options are more effective, less invasive, and have higher survival rates. In contrast, oral cancer that progresses to advanced stages may require more aggressive treatments, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. These treatments can be physically and emotionally challenging and may affect speech, swallowing, and overall quality of life. Identifying oral cancer in its earliest form can prevent the need for extensive treatment and reduce the risk of complications. Timely diagnosis not only improves outcomes but can also save lives. Many studies show that the five-year survival rate is much higher when the disease is diagnosed early. This is why including screenings in routine dental care is an essential step toward long-term health. How Taylor Made Smiles Prioritizes Screening At Taylor Made Smiles, we take a proactive approach to your oral health. We believe prevention is key, which is why oral cancer screenings are automatically included in every routine dental exam. You don’t need to request it separately or worry about additional steps. Our team is already watching out for your health. We use the latest tools and follow thorough clinical protocols to ensure nothing is overlooked. Our experienced dental professionals are trained to recognize even subtle signs of potential concerns. Beyond the screening itself, we also focus on patient education. We help you understand what symptoms to watch for at home, such as persistent sores, unexplained bleeding, or numbness in the mouth or lips. By combining professional assessments with patient awareness, we aim to give every patient the best chance at early detection and peace of mind. Stay Proactive About Your Oral Health Oral cancer often develops without pain or obvious symptoms in the beginning, making it easy to overlook. That’s why staying proactive with routine screenings is so important. The good news is that screenings are quick, non-invasive, and require no special preparation. In just a few minutes during your regular checkup, you receive a thorough assessment that could potentially save your life. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, don’t skip your dental exams. Regular visits give your dentist a chance to monitor changes over time and respond quickly if anything looks concerning. It’s a simple step that plays a powerful role in protecting your health. Schedule Your Next Exam With Confidence At Taylor Made Smiles in Monroe, we include oral cancer screenings as a standard part of every preventive dental exam. It’s one of the many ways we care for our patients with a comprehensive, health-first approach. Our goal is to keep your mouth healthy, your smile bright, and your overall well-being protected. If it has been more than six months since your last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule your next visit. Contact Taylor Made Smiles today at 770-267-4404 or visit our website to book your appointment and take a proactive step toward your long-term health. Your smile and your health deserve expert attention.