I have been a patient of Dr Juan Lopez for many years. He is the best! I needed an implant and the results were awesome! No problems whatsoever with it. It look great! I would recommend him and his staff if you are looking for a dentist. They are friendly, kind, and caring. I have never been disappointed in any procedure I have had there. A shout out to my hygienist Jennifer! She is awesome and deserves a raise! 😁
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to discuss a serious health topic that doesn’t get enough attention. At Lopez Dental Associates, we believe oral cancer detection in Lawton should be part of every routine dental exam. This simple screening takes just a few minutes but can literally save your life by catching cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.
If you’re due for a checkup, call our office today at 580-246-4488 to schedule an appointment.
Many people assume dental visits are only about cavities and gum disease. The truth is that your dentist plays a critical role in screening for oral cancer during every checkup. Understanding what this screening involves and why it matters could be one of the most important health lessons you ever learn.
Understand the Reality of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer affects approximately 54,000 Americans each year. Even more alarming, one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States. These numbers are sobering, but there’s hope in the statistics, too.
When oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate exceeds 80 percent. However, many cases aren’t discovered until the cancer has already spread to other areas, which makes treatment much harder and survival rates drop significantly. The difference between early and late detection often comes down to regular dental screenings.
Oral cancer can develop anywhere in your mouth or throat, including your tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of your mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Because early-stage oral cancer typically causes no pain, most people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease has progressed.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Knowing what to look for between dental visits helps you catch potential problems early. Warning signs include sores in your mouth that don’t heal within two weeks, white or red patches on your gums or tongue, lumps or thick areas in your cheek, numbness in your mouth or lips, and difficulty chewing or swallowing.
You might also notice a persistent sore throat, the feeling that something is stuck in your throat, or changes in your voice. Ear pain that doesn’t involve an ear infection can also signal oral cancer. Any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks deserves immediate attention from your dentist.
The challenge is that many of these signs can seem minor or get mistaken for other common problems. That’s why professional screening is so important.
Discover How Dentists Screen During Exams
During your regular visit to Lopez Dental Associates, your dentist performs a thorough oral cancer screening as part of your comprehensive examination. This screening is completely painless and takes only a few minutes.
Your dentist starts by examining the outside of your mouth and neck, feeling for unusual lumps or swelling in your jaw, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues. Then comes the visual examination of everything inside your mouth. Using a bright light and mirror, your dentist carefully inspects your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat.
Your dentist looks for discoloration, sores, lumps, or any tissue that appears abnormal. They also gently feel the tissues inside your mouth to detect bumps or irregularities that might not be visible. During this exam, your dentist will ask about any symptoms or changes you’ve noticed.
In some cases, dentists use special lights or dyes that make abnormal cells more visible. If anything suspicious appears, your dentist will recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Know Your Risk Factors
Certain factors increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form – cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco – is the leading cause. Heavy alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use, dramatically increases risk.
HPV infection, particularly HPV-16, has become a major cause of throat cancers in recent years. Excessive sun exposure increases lip cancer risk. Being over age 45, having a weakened immune system, and being male also raise your chances of developing oral cancer.
Even without risk factors, anyone can develop oral cancer, which is why screening matters for everyone.
Take Action to Protect Yourself
You can reduce your risk through lifestyle choices. Avoid all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. Protect your lips with SPF lip balm when outdoors.
Practice good oral hygiene and perform monthly self-exams at home using a mirror and good lighting. If you notice anything unusual, contact our office immediately rather than waiting for your next scheduled appointment.
Schedule Your Screening Today
Regular dental visits provide essential opportunities for oral cancer detection in Lawton before the disease becomes life-threatening. Early detection means less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and higher survival rates.
Don’t postpone your dental appointments. They’re about protecting your overall health, not just maintaining your smile. Call Lopez Dental Associates today at 580-246-4488 to schedule your comprehensive exam and oral cancer screening.