{"id":591,"date":"2024-04-12T16:57:11","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/?p=591"},"modified":"2024-05-23T16:58:13","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T16:58:13","slug":"how-your-dentist-performs-oral-cancer-screenings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/how-your-dentist-performs-oral-cancer-screenings\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Watch: How Your Dentist Protects Your Health with Oral Cancer Screenings"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"513\" src=\"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_525731742__1716483369_75514.jpg\" alt=\"Dentist performing an oral cancer screening\" class=\"wp-image-592\" style=\"width:301px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_525731742__1716483369_75514.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_525731742__1716483369_75514-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/AdobeStock_525731742__1716483369_75514-768x492.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/\">Regular dental visits<\/a> are important for maintaining a healthy smile, but did you know they can also be lifesaving? One vital part of these visits is a quick and painless oral cancer screening. With this procedure, your dentist can detect early signs of oral cancer, and increase the chances of successful treatment. Continue reading to learn about how your dentist performs oral cancer screenings and why they\u2019re so important for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An oral cancer screening is typically performed during routine dental checkups. Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visual Examination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your dentist will start by examining your face, neck, lips, and mouth for any visible signs of swelling, discoloration, or abnormal lumps. They will also check for asymmetry or changes in your skin texture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, using a light and a mirror, your dentist will look inside your mouth. There, they\u2019ll inspect your gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and your tongue. The goal is to identify any red or white patches, sores, or unusual changes in your tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physical Examination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once a visual exam has been completed, your dentist will use gloved hands to feel around in your mouth. They\u2019ll gently press on your gums, cheeks, and tongue to detect any lumps, bumps, or areas of firmness that might not be visible. Finally, they\u2019ll feel your neck and jaw, searching for any swollen lymph nodes or other issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. Early detection is vital to effective treatment and positive outcomes. Nearly 11,000 people lose their lives to oral cancer every year, but if caught early enough, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 86 percent. So, an ounce of prevention can go a long way in keeping you healthy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By understanding what to expect during an oral cancer screening, you can feel more comfortable and confident about the process. Regular checkups with your dentist, combined with good oral hygiene and increased awareness are a key part of protecting not just your mouth, but also your overall health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, don\u2019t hesitate to schedule your next dental checkup today and ensure you\u2019re taking all the necessary steps to support a healthy, cancer-free smile.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/meet-your-dentist.html\">Dr. Michael C. Byars<\/a> is a knowledgeable and talented dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri \u2013 Kansas City. He loves helping his patients build and protect their smiles through education and excellent dental care. Call (816) 781-8222 to schedule a checkup and cleaning at Michael C. Byars, DDS, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.byarsdental.com\/\">visit the website<\/a> to explore other services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Regular dental visits are important for maintaining a healthy smile, but did you know they can also be lifesaving? One vital part of these visits is a quick and painless oral cancer screening. With this procedure, your dentist can detect early signs of oral cancer, and increase the chances of successful treatment. Continue reading to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Happens At Oral Cancer Screenings | Michael C. Byars, DDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Did you know that your dentist is always looking out for you? 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