At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, we believe in the power of prevention. That’s why we offer thorough, routine oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental care. Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early—but often goes undetected until it’s advanced. Our quick, painless screenings are a vital tool in protecting your long-term health.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Every year, approximately 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, yet only about 57% survive past five years. The reason isn’t due to complexity of treatment, but rather the late stage of diagnosis. Many cases are not detected until the cancer has already spread.
That’s why we incorporate oral cancer screenings into every comprehensive exam or routine cleaning. These few minutes could make a life-saving difference.
What to Expect During a Screening
Dr. Salm carefully examines the mouth, neck, and head for any abnormalities or early signs of oral cancer. The process includes:
- Examining the face for asymmetry, swelling, or ulceration
- Palpating lymph nodes and soft tissue for lumps
- Inspecting lips, cheeks (inside and out), tongue (top and underside)
- Examining the floor of the mouth, soft palate, and tonsils
This fast and non-invasive exam is done right in the dental chair and takes only minutes.
Warning Signs to Watch For at Home
If you experience any of the following symptoms lasting longer than 2–3 weeks, contact us right away:
- Sores that don’t heal
- Red, white, or blue patches in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness
- Thickening or lumps in the cheeks
- Changes in the fit of your dentures
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or ear pain (otalgia) without infection
While these symptoms could be caused by less serious conditions, it’s always best to rule out anything more serious.
Who Is at Risk?
Oral cancer can affect anyone—but certain factors increase your risk:
- Tobacco use (including chewing tobacco and vaping)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Age 50 and older
- Genetics (suspected in about 5% of cases)
While oral cancer was once mostly diagnosed in older individuals with a history of alcohol or tobacco use, HPV has made younger, non-smoking patients increasingly vulnerable.
If you’re age 20 or older—regardless of lifestyle—you should be screened regularly.
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
Your role is just as important as ours. If you notice something unusual, don’t ignore it—early detection is key. At Smiles for Miles Dentistry, we’re here to support your health at every stage.
📞 Call us today at (262) 548-3555 or schedule your next exam online.
Let us help protect your smile—and your health—for years to come.