Step Up Your Preventive Dental Care with Oral Cancer Screenings
At Buena Vida Dental Studio, your oral health is our priority. In addition to regular cleanings and check-ups, we offer oral cancer screenings in Tucson, Arizona, to detect oral cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Our team, led by Dr. Carlos L. Benavides Davila, DDS, uses the latest technologies to provide thorough oral cancer screenings as part of your dental care routine.
What are the warning signs of mouth cancer?
Oral cancer often develops quietly, with early signs that can be easy to overlook. Unlike a toothache or bleeding gums, symptoms of oral cancer may not cause pain or immediate concern, which is why they can go unnoticed.
That’s why it’s essential to stay alert to subtle changes in your mouth, such as:
- Persistent sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches
- Lumps or thickening of the cheek
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas
- Changes in how your dentures or aligners fit
- Chronic sore throat or voice changes
Even if these signs seem minor, they shouldn’t be ignored. Regular oral cancer screenings in Tucson, Arizona, are crucial for early detection. Your dentist performs a quick but thorough screening to catch issues early when they’re easiest to treat.
What happens during an oral cancer check-up?
An oral cancer screening in Tucson, Arizona, is simple and non-invasive. It’s also quick and only takes about five minutes. But don’t be fooled by its speed—it’s thorough and leaves nothing to chance.
First, your dentist will visually examine your mouth for signs of lesions, bumps, patches, and other irregularities. You’ll then be asked to remove dentures, aligners, or other removable oral appliances to ensure a clear, unobstructed view.
The dentist also uses gloved hands to palpate your neck and gums for unusual lumps and masses. If we detect irregularities, we can use special lights and dyes to separate healthy tissues from abnormal ones. It’s important to note that we don’t diagnose you with oral cancer. We’ll recommend a biopsy to determine if your suspicious lump or lesion is cancerous or not.
Who needs oral cancer screening?
Mouth cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect individuals of all races, ages, and walks of life. However, certain factors can increase the risk of oral cancer.
These include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV infection
- Previous cancer diagnoses
- Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
Oral cancer screenings in Tucson, Arizona, are essential to preventive care. We generally advise getting an oral cancer screening once a year. However, biannual screenings may be necessary if you’re at greater risk. The good news? These screenings are already part of your routine dental visits—no additional appointment is required.
Why is oral detection important?
Most oral cancers are diagnosed late because people ignore routine screenings. Sadly, over 11,500 people die annually from oral cancer, primarily due to late-stage diagnosis. However, early detection can change the story. When caught early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 85%. An oral cancer exam in our office isn’t routine—it can potentially save a life!
Is it time for an oral cancer exam in Tucson, AZ?
Are you due for mouth cancer screening? Call (520) 745-5577 and schedule an appointment with Buena Vida Dental Studio. A quick, non-invasive exam may be the most important five minutes of your life!
