When you think of a trip to the dentist, you probably picture cleanings, fillings, or maybe teeth whitening. But there’s another essential service your dentist can provide—one that could potentially save your life: oral cancer screening.
Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year in the United States, and like many other forms of cancer, early detection dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment. At Hillsborough Prime Dental, led by Dr. Sally Awad, we take a proactive approach to your total health, not just your teeth and gums. That’s why we offer thorough oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental exams.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, understanding the importance of these screenings and knowing what to expect can give you peace of mind and help you take charge of your health. Let’s take a closer look at how oral cancer screenings work, why they’re crucial, and how our team in Hillsborough, NJ, is helping the community stay one step ahead.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in any part of the mouth or upper throat. This includes the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth (palate), and the oropharynx—the part of the throat at the back of the mouth.
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 55,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year alone. Unfortunately, many of these cases are not diagnosed until the cancer is in an advanced stage, when it’s harder to treat and survival rates are lower.
That’s why regular screenings are so important, especially for those with risk factors like tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of human papillomavirus (HPV).
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection can make all the difference. When caught early, oral cancer has an 84% five-year survival rate. But once it spreads to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, that rate drops significantly.
The challenge is that oral cancer often develops without pain or obvious symptoms, making it difficult to spot on your own. That’s where a trained dental professional comes in. At Hillsborough Prime Dental, we know what subtle signs to look for, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
When oral cancer is caught in its earliest stages, treatment is often less invasive, recovery is faster, and the chances of complete recovery are much higher.
Who Should Get Screened?
We believe everyone should be screened for oral cancer regularly, especially those at higher risk. You may be at increased risk if you:
- Use tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Have a history of significant sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Have tested positive for HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Have a family history of oral or throat cancers
- Are over the age of 40
Even if you don’t fall into one of these groups, regular screenings are still recommended. Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate—it can affect people of all ages and lifestyles.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening at Hillsborough Prime Dental is quick, painless, and potentially life-saving. The process typically takes just a few minutes during your regular dental checkup, but those few minutes can have a lasting impact.
Here’s what to expect:
1. Visual Examination
Dr. Awad begins by examining your mouth, face, neck, lips, and inside of your cheeks. She’s looking for any discoloration, asymmetries, persistent sores, lumps, or other abnormalities. Areas of concern might include red or white patches, thickened tissue, or ulcers that haven’t healed.
2. Physical Palpation
Next, she gently palpates (feels) your jaw, under your chin, and around the neck and throat for any unusual masses or swelling in the lymph nodes.
3. Advanced Screening Tools (if needed)
If anything looks suspicious, we may use enhanced screening tools such as VELscope® or oral brush biopsy technology to get a closer look. These devices utilize specialized lights or imaging techniques to identify tissue changes that may be imperceptible to the human eye.
4. Follow-Up
If we spot anything that requires further investigation, we’ll refer you to a specialist or recommend a biopsy. But remember—finding something unusual doesn’t always mean cancer. Often, these are benign conditions that just need monitoring.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Even though professional screenings are essential, it’s also important to know what symptoms to look out for between visits. If you notice any of the following signs that persist for more than two weeks, schedule a dental appointment right away:
- A sore or ulcer in your mouth that doesn’t heal
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue
- Numbness in your mouth or lips
- Hoarseness or a chronic sore throat
- A red or white patch on your gums, tongue, or lining of your mouth
It’s easy to ignore these symptoms, especially if they aren’t painful, but catching them early could make all the difference.
The Role of Your Dentist in Cancer Prevention
When it comes to detecting oral cancer, dentists often play a crucial role. That’s why choosing a provider who takes your overall health seriously is so important.
At Hillsborough Prime Dental, we’re not just here to clean your teeth—we’re here to protect your long-term health. Dr. Sally Awad has years of experience in identifying early warning signs of oral cancer and is committed to providing gentle, thorough, and compassionate care.
We prioritize ongoing education, use advanced technology, and take the time to discuss your concerns and medical history. It’s all part of our mission to deliver patient-centered care that goes beyond the surface.
How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
We recommend that adults have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, though for patients with higher risk factors, it may be advised to have one every six months.
The good news is that you don’t have to schedule a separate appointment—screenings are included in your routine checkups at Hillsborough Prime Dental. It’s just another reason to stick to that twice-a-year dental visit!
Why Choose Hillsborough Prime Dental?
When it comes to something as serious as cancer prevention, you want a provider you can trust. Here’s why so many patients in Hillsborough, NJ, choose us for their care:
- Experienced and compassionate team led by Dr. Sally Awad
- Cutting-edge technology for early and accurate detection
- Comfort-first approach that prioritizes your ease during visits
- Holistic view of oral health, with a focus on both prevention and treatment
- Convenient location in Hillsborough, serving families throughout Somerset County
We understand that going to the dentist can feel intimidating. But here, we strive to make every patient feel welcomed, heard, and cared for. We believe in empowering you with knowledge and giving you the tools you need to live a healthier life.
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Regular oral cancer screenings are a simple method to identify potential issues before they escalate. It’s quick, it’s painless, and it could save your life.
If you haven’t been screened recently or if you’re experiencing symptoms, now’s the time to act.
Call us today at (908) 359-8555 to schedule your next dental exam and oral cancer screening with Dr. Sally Awad and the team at Hillsborough Prime Dental.
Or visit our office in Hillsborough, NJ—we’re always happy to welcome new patients and help our community smile brighter and live healthier.
Protect your smile. Protect your health. Book your screening today.
