Busting the Myth: Who Really Needs Oral Cancer Screenings?

Myth or Must? Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter at Every Age

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re spotlighting one of the most important – and often misunderstood – parts of your dental checkup: oral cancer screenings. At Neighborhood Dental in Gretna, Dr. Ehly and Dr. Zysset are here to bust the myths and share what you really need to know about oral cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

🧠 MYTH: Only High-Risk Patients Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings

✅ FACT: Oral Cancer Screenings Are Essential for Everyone

Many people believe that oral cancer screenings are only necessary for those who smoke, chew tobacco, or drink heavily. While those habits do increase your risk, the truth is that oral cancer can affect anyone at any age. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of cases in young adults with no traditional risk factors.

That’s why routine oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every dental exam at Neighborhood Dental. These quick, non-invasive checks could make all the difference in detecting abnormalities early – when treatment is most effective.

What Is Oral Cancer?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral cancers are classified in two groups:

• Cancers of the oral cavity affect your lips, teeth, gums, the front two-thirds of your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth and the inside of your cheeks.
• Cancers of the oropharynx are found in the throat, tonsils, the base of your tongue and the spot where it attaches to the floor of your mouth. Your throat (pharynx) starts at the soft part of the roof of your mouth and continues back into your throat.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

In between dental visits, it is important to be mindful of potential signs and symptoms that could be related to oral cancer. Warning signs of mouth and throat cancers include the following:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas in your mouth
• Persistent earaches
• Sores, soreness, or irritation in the mouth, throat, lip that won’t heal
• A white or red spot in your mouth, especially on the mucosal membrane (inside cheek)
• Bleeding in the mouth that lasts more than a week

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During your appointment, Dr. Ehly or Dr. Zysset will:

• Examine your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth

• Look for any unusual sores, patches, or lumps

• Discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, like chronic sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing

The entire process takes just a few minutes – but those minutes can be life-saving.

Why Early Detection Matters

Oral cancer is most treatable when caught early. Regular screenings can lead to:

• Earlier diagnosis

• More treatment options

• Better long-term outcomes

The American Dental Association (ADA) states that dentists watch for signs of oral cancer because finding it early can be the key to successful treatment. More than 54,000 people are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and around 11,000 die from it. Whether you’re 25 or 75, your routine dental exam is an opportunity to stay proactive about your overall health.

Prevention & Awareness Start with You

Want to reduce your risk? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Stray away from all uses of tobacco. Using tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.

• Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer.

• Protect your lips with SPF when outdoors

• Maintain good oral hygiene

• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

• Visit your local Gretna dentist regularly – we’ll handle the screening!

Visit Dr. Ehly & Dr. Zysset This April

At Neighborhood Dental in Gretna, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy – and informed. Whether it’s time for your next cleaning or you’ve noticed something unusual, don’t wait. Let April remind you to take action for your smile and health. Schedule your next routine dental visit and feel confident knowing your oral cancer screening is already included.

🦷 Commit to your oral health and take one small step toward protecting your whole-body health.