Global oral cancer five-year survival rates are around 40%, but with an early diagnosis, they can exceed 80%. At Kathryn Jodry, DDS, we include vital oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental care. This simple, noninvasive exam helps detect problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
Let’s walk through what happens during an oral cancer exam, why it matters, and how you can feel more comfortable during your visit.
Oral cancer can affect your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and the area under the tongue. Oral cancer doesn’t always cause pain or obvious symptoms at first; Dr. Jodry can spot signs that you might miss on your own.
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but some individuals are more likely to get it. Risk factors include:
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, or using chewing tobacco, raises the risk of oral cancer significantly.
Drinking often and in large amounts increases your chances of developing oral cancer.
Most oral cancer cases happen in people over 40, but younger adults can be affected, too.
Too much sun can raise your risk of lip cancer.
A family history of cancer can also be significant, especially if it involves head or neck cancer.
Even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, regular exams are still a good idea.
In the United States, around 2.9% of new cancer cases every year are oral cancer. The good news? Regular dental visits help catch it early. At Kathryn Jodry DDS, we perform these screenings as part of your routine checkup. It’s one more way we help keep you healthy; not just your teeth and gums, but your whole mouth.
Early detection can lead to better outcomes, fewer treatments, and a faster return to everyday life. Even if you feel perfectly fine, getting screened is still a smart move. The good news is that an oral cancer exam is quick, simple, and completely painless. Here’s what you can expect during your visit to our office:
We begin by looking inside your mouth. Using a light and a mirror, we check your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and the area under your tongue. We look for any unusual spots, such as:
Next, we gently feel your jaw, neck, and under your chin to check for any lumps or swollen glands. This helps us detect anything that might not be visible.
We ask if you’ve noticed any changes, such as:
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, even if they seem minor, let us know. It helps us provide the best care possible.
Most oral cancer exams take just a few minutes during your regular dental checkup. There’s no special equipment or preparation needed, and you can go about your day right after the exam.
If we find something that doesn’t look quite right, don’t panic. Not all spots or bumps mean cancer. In many cases, it’s something harmless, like a canker sore or irritation.
If we think something needs a closer look, we may recommend:
We’ll walk you through the next steps and answer all your questions. Our goal is always to keep you informed and supported.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk for oral cancer:
An oral cancer exam is a small part of your dental visit that can make a big difference. It’s quick, easy, and could even save your life.
We’re here to protect your smile and your overall health, with care you can trust. Next time you’re in our chair, know that we’re looking out for more than just cavities. We’re helping you stay healthy from the inside out.
Call Kathryn Jodry, DDS, to arrange a checkup and oral cancer exam, or complete the form on our Contact Us page.
