At Mansfield Dental Associates, we do more than check the health of your teeth and gums at your dental cleaning and exam appointments. Mansfield dentists Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris make it a point to evaluate all aspects of your dental and oral health, and part of this includes an oral cancer screening. Today, we’d like to explain this procedure.

What is a visual oral cancer test?

Like other cancers and oral health conditions, oral cancer is most easily treated when caught in its earliest stages.

Just as its name suggests, a visual oral cancer screening is performed by one of our highly trained and experienced dentists and dental assistants. During the exam, we will assess the soft tissues of your mouth—including the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, tongue, and gums—and take note of any areas that appear abnormal in color and/or texture. We will also gently probe your mouth, looking for sores, lumps, rough spots, and other abnormalities in the gums lips, and tongue. If Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris suspects a possibility of oral cancer or another condition, they will take the necessary steps to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

In addition to this visual test, we will also ask you about other symptoms, including:

  • Chronic throat pain
  • Vocal changes
  • Chronic ear aches
  • Dramatic weight loss
  • Shifting teeth or bite relationship

To find out if you’re at risk for oral cancer, call Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, Texas at (817) 259-1357 to reserve an appointment.