Dedicated to complete oral health

Our office is not only dedicated to your smile, we’re also dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like any kind of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. You are the most important factor in the early diagnosis of oral cancer through routine screenings at our office.

Signs of Trouble

We have the skills and tools to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. While these symptoms may be caused by other less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Red or white spots, or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A lump, thickening, or rough spot
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Screening

Our team is trained to do a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, in order to detect any cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Aside from a visual examination, we will also feel the tissues of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities.

If we find an area of concern, we may perform a biopsy and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

Prevention

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer:

The best way is to avoid all tobacco products, and only
drink alcohol in moderation.

Maintain a healthy, balanced
diet.

Limit your exposure to the sun, and always wear UV-A/B
blocking, and sun-protective lotions on your skin, as well as on your lips.

During your next dental appointment, ask Dr. Matthew W. Malan
to perform an oral exam.