Oral Cancer Screening
Caring for your mouth with your overall health in mind.
Why we screen at every exam
We keep your overall health in mind, which is why an oral cancer screening is part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if it is not diagnosed and treated early, so we have the skills and tools to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.
What we look for
The most common symptoms of oral cancer include red or white spots or sores anywhere in the mouth, a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a lump or rough spot, pain or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue. These symptoms can have other, less serious causes, but it is important to have them checked.
Our screening involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, not just your teeth, along with feeling the tissue of your mouth and throat for abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple brush test to collect cells for lab analysis, and recommend a biopsy if needed.
What you can do
The best way to help prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products, drink alcohol only in moderation, maintain a healthy diet, and limit sun exposure with UV-blocking lotion on your skin and lips. Ask Dr. Sipes to perform an oral exam at your next appointment.
"As a Naturopathic Doctor, I know how profoundly dental health can affect your overall health and I promote Biological Dentistry to my patients. My professional opinion is that they offer much better solutions for dental problems. I became a patient of Dr. Sipes earlier this year and have enjoyed working with him and his staff. I feel like he does a more thorough checkup than other dentists that I have visited. They offer more natural, chemical free products as part of their treatments. Highly recommend"
