Everyone can benefit from oral cancer screenings and our dentists will perform them during regular dental checkups. With that being said, there are certain symptoms that can warrant an oral cancer screening such as:

• A sore that doesn’t heal

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue

• Unusual lumps, bumps, white or red patches, sores that won’t heal in your mouth or throat

• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is recommended to schedule a consultation with our Flushing, Queens dentist at New York Dental Solutions today.

When having an oral cancer screening performed at New York Dental Solutions, our Flushing, Queens dentist will evaluate the inside of your mouth for any tissue abnormalities in terms of color or texture. A special light may also be used to detect abnormal tissue. If our dentist finds something that looks suspicious, they will recommend following up with your primary care provider for additional testing.

Oral cancer cannot always be prevented, however there are some ways you can decrease your risk. The best way to do this is by eliminating or decreasing risk factors. Common risk factors for oral cancer include: smoking, regularly consuming alcohol, and catching the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Regular screenings can help identify abnormal areas before they develop into more serious conditions, improving outcomes.

Signs of oral cancer include persistent sores that don’t heal, unexplained pain in the mouth or jaw, and lumps or bumps in the mouth or throat. You may notice white or red patches in the mouth, bleeding without reason, or difficulty swallowing or chewing.