Oral Cancer Screening in Austin, TX

At Glauser Family Dentistry, we are committed to your overall health, including proactive oral cancer screenings. Located in Austin, we serve Anderson Mill, Jollyville, Balcones Village, and Northwest Hills.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are a critical part of our comprehensive dental care. By identifying potential issues early, we can ensure treatment is most effective. Our screenings help protect your health and provide peace of mind.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless exams designed to detect early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During these screenings, our team will carefully examine your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any abnormal areas, such as:

• Sores that don’t heal
• Red or white patches
• Lumps or thickened tissues
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Unexplained bleeding

By catching these issues early, we can improve the chances of successful treatment and help protect your long-term health.

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Tobacco use: Smoking or using chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use combined with tobacco use raises the risk even further.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV have been linked to oral cancer.
• Age: Oral cancer is more common in people over 40, but it can affect younger individuals as well.

The key to treating oral cancer successfully is early detection. Many symptoms of oral cancer are painless in the beginning stages, which is why regular screenings are so important. At Glauser Family Dentistry, we include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups to ensure we monitor your oral health closely.

What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening at Glauser Family Dentistry is a simple, non-invasive process that only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you can expect during your screening:

1. Visual Examination: We’ll visually inspect your lips, mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual changes, such as sores, lumps, or discoloration.
2. Physical Examination: We will gently feel your neck, jaw, and mouth to check for any abnormalities or lumps that may not be visible but can be felt during the exam.
3. Further Testing: If we notice any suspicious areas during the screening, we may recommend further diagnostic testing, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist, to determine whether the area is cancerous or requires treatment.

Our goal is to provide thorough screenings and peace of mind. By incorporating oral cancer screenings into your regular dental exams, we can help you maintain both your oral and overall health.

Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings?

We recommend oral cancer screenings for all adults as part of their routine dental care. Screenings are especially important if you:

• Use tobacco or drink alcohol regularly
• Have a family history of cancer
• Have been diagnosed with HPV
• Spend significant time in the sun, as UV exposure can lead to lip cancer

Even if you do not fall into one of these categories, regular oral cancer screenings are an essential preventive measure to ensure that any potential issues are caught early.

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

In addition to regular screenings, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:

• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco are leading causes of oral cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol use increases your risk of oral cancer.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce cancer risk.
• Use lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips from harmful UV rays by using lip balm with sunscreen.
• Schedule regular dental checkups: Keeping up with routine dental visits allows for early detection of any issues.

Meet Our Dentists

At Glauser Family Dentistry, our dentists, Dr. Grant Glauser and Dr. Kathleen McNeil, are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for our patients. We focus on preventive care, including oral cancer screenings, to ensure that we’re catching potential issues early and helping you maintain optimal oral health.