Your routine dental visit is about more than keeping your smile bright — it also helps protect your overall health. At Smiley Dental Group in Columbus, OH, Dr. Holowicki, Dr. Moore, and Dr. Renshaw include oral cancer screening as part of every comprehensive exam. This quick, painless step helps detect potential issues early, giving you the best chance for successful treatment and long-term wellness. We proudly care for patients throughout Dublin, Hilliard, and nearby Ohio communities.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a simple, non-invasive exam that checks your oral cavity, tongue, gums, and throat for early signs of oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer. During your visit, our dental professionals perform a careful visual examination and feel for lumps, swelling, or color changes in the oral tissues.
The American Dental Association and the Oral Cancer Foundation encourage regular screenings because early detection can make a life-changing difference in outcomes and treatment success.
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer is most treatable in its early stages. Because it can develop without pain or obvious symptoms, it often goes unnoticed until it progresses. Detecting it early gives you more treatment options and greatly improves your chances of successful recovery.
People who use tobacco products, have heavy alcohol consumption, or spend long hours in the sun face a higher oral cancer risk, but anyone can benefit from routine dental care that includes oral cancer screening. Regular visits also help maintain good oral health and overall wellness.
What to Expect During Your Screening
Your screening test takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation. During the examination of the oral cavity, your dentist will:
- Inspect your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for white patches, red spots, or sores
- Gently move the soft tissues to view all areas clearly
- Feel your lymph nodes and jawline for any swelling
In some cases, a special light or rinse is used to highlight areas that may need a closer look. This visual inspection helps identify changes that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Warning Signs to Watch Between Visits
Knowing the signs of oral cancer helps you take action early. Contact our office if you notice:
- A sore or lump that does not heal
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent jaw pain
- Numbness or facial pain in the soft tissues
- Changes in speech or swelling that lasts longer than two weeks
Next Steps if Abnormalities Are Found
If our team notices something unusual, we’ll guide you through the next steps with care and clarity. This may include a referral for further testing or a biopsy to rule out mouth cancer or other malignant disorders. Not every change means oral cancer, but early intervention ensures you get the right health care at the right time.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Columbus
Protecting your smile means protecting your health. At Smiley Dental Group, we provide oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental visits to support early detection of oral cancer and lifelong oral health.
If it’s time for your checkup, or if you have risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or excessive sun exposure, call 614-889-0726 or book online today. Together, we’ll help you stay healthy, informed, and confident in your care.