When you visit Advocate Dental of Palatine for a routine checkup, you’re getting more than just a teeth cleaning. Dr. George Skoog and our team perform a comprehensive oral cancer screening during every regular dental appointment, and this simple, painless exam could potentially save your life.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive examination that takes just a few minutes. Dr. Skoog visually inspects and feels the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck to identify any abnormalities that could indicate a problem.

During your mouth cancer screening, we check:

  • Your lips, gums, and inner cheeks
  • The roof and floor of your mouth
  • Your tongue (top, bottom, and sides)
  • The back of your throat
  • Your neck and jaw for unusual lumps

The entire process is comfortable and happens right alongside your regular dental exam. Most patients don’t even realize they’ve been screened!

Why Oral Cancer Detection Matters

Like many cancers, oral cancer is most treatable when caught early. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer detected in its earliest stages is significantly higher than for cases found later. That’s why regular screenings are so important: they give us the opportunity for early oral cancer detection, when treatment outcomes are most favorable.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,540 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Regular dental visits that include screenings help catch potential problems before they become serious health threats.

Common Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

While we perform thorough screenings at every appointment, it’s also important to be aware of oral cancer signs and symptoms between visits. Contact our Palatine office at (847) 359-8732 if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Sores or ulcers in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
  • Red or white patches inside your mouth
  • Lumps or thickening of the cheek tissue
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw
  • Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
  • Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in your throat
  • Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
  • A change in how your teeth fit together

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone should receive regular mouth cancer screening as part of their preventive dental care. However, certain factors increase your risk:

  • Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Previous oral cancer diagnosis
  • Excessive sun exposure to your lips
  • HPV (human papillomavirus) infection

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s especially crucial to maintain regular dental appointments for consistent monitoring.

Schedule Your Screening Today

An oral cancer screening is a vital part of your overall health maintenance. At Advocate Dental of Palatine, Dr. George Skoog is committed to providing comprehensive care that goes beyond your teeth and gums to protect your overall well-being.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings can detect problems in their earliest, most treatable stages. Call us today at (847) 359-8732 to schedule your next dental appointment, or if you have concerns about any unusual changes in your mouth.