Why We Do Oral Cancer Screenings Every Six Months


Posted on 6/2/2025 by Lincoln Center Smiles
A dentist performing an oral examination on a patient using dental tools while the patient reclines in the chair. As your trusted dental expert, I'm committed to your complete oral health. That's why, in addition to regular cleanings and checkups, we also conduct oral cancer screenings every six months. While you might not think about this part of your checkup, it's incredibly important for early detection and treatment of oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?


Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth. It can also affect the tonsils and the back of the throat. While not as common as other types of cancer, oral cancer can be aggressive and difficult to treat if not detected early.

Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?


Early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer. When caught in its early stages, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. Oral cancer screenings allow us to identify any suspicious changes in your mouth that might be cancerous, even before you notice them yourself. This allows for prompt intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?


An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless procedure. We will visually examine your entire mouth, including the tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat, looking for any abnormalities in color, texture, or size. We may also feel for lumps or other changes in the tissues. The entire process takes just a few minutes and is an essential part of your comprehensive oral care.

What if Something is Found During the Screening?


If we find anything suspicious during the screening, don't worry. We will discuss the findings with you and recommend further evaluation, which may include additional tests or a referral to a specialist. Early detection is crucial, and we will work closely with you to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Taking Charge of Your Oral Health


Oral cancer screenings are an important part of maintaining good oral health. By being proactive and getting regular screenings, you can play a vital role in detecting and treating oral cancer early, when it's most treatable.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Taking care of your oral health through regular cleanings, checkups, and oral cancer screenings can help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Restoration Dentistry: Your Partner in Oral Health


In addition to oral cancer screenings, we offer a wide range of restorative dentistry services to address any oral health concerns you may have. Whether you need a filling, a crown, or a more complex procedure, our team of experienced professionals is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer or your oral health in general, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are always happy to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Fish icon
Fish icon
Copyright © 2019-2025 Lincoln Center Smiles and WEO Media (Touchpoint Communications LLC). All rights reserved.  Sitemap
Dentist Tigard, OR | Dental Blog - Lincoln Center Smiles
Dr. Saklofsky has created an educational blog as a resource for our patients. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please share it to social media, then call (971) 317-9499 to make an appointment.
Lincoln Center Smiles, 10500 SW Greenburg Rd, Suite 3, Portland, OR 97223-1406 ~ (503) 598-0898 ~ sakdental.com ~ 6/14/2025 ~ Page Keywords: dentist Tigard OR ~