Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues performed by a dental professional to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. During the exam, we carefully check the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat for any unusual sores, discoloration, lumps, or tissue changes that may warrant further evaluation. The screening is non-invasive, takes only a few minutes, and is one of the most important steps you can take in protecting your long-term health.
At New Day Dental & Medical Aesthetics, oral cancer screening is a standard part of every comprehensive exam because we know that what gets caught early gets treated successfully. Our team is trained to recognize the subtle early signs that patients cannot see or feel on their own, and we take every finding seriously. Award-winning Dr. Jordan Tucker, DDS, approaches every screening with the same thoroughness and care he brings to every procedure, ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed.
We understand that the word “cancer” can feel alarming, but our goal is to make this exam feel routine and reassuring. The vast majority of findings are benign, and for those that are not, early detection makes all the difference. At New Day Dental & Medical Aesthetics, we believe that a few minutes at every dental visit is a small investment with potentially life-saving returns.
A small sore that will not heal, a rough patch along the inside of your cheek, or a subtle numbness in your tongue that you brush off as nothing are the kinds of quiet warning signs that oral cancer sends before it demands your full attention. Oral cancer rarely shows obvious symptoms in its earliest stages, which is exactly why routine screenings matter so much.
At New Day Dental Medical Aesthetics, we believe protecting your health starts with prevention. Our team in Cary provides thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our general dentistry services. Led by award-winning dentist Dr. Jordan Tucker, our practice uses advanced technology and a compassionate, detail-oriented approach to catch potential concerns before they become serious problems.
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless exam of your mouth, throat, tongue, gums, cheeks, and surrounding tissues. Your dentist looks for abnormalities such as unusual sores, discolored patches, lumps, or thickened tissue that could signal precancerous or cancerous changes. The screening takes only a few minutes and is typically performed during your routine dental exam, making it easy to stay on top of your oral health without scheduling a separate appointment.
During the visual portion of the screening, your dentist carefully inspects all surfaces of your mouth, lips, and face for irregularities. The physical exam involves gently feeling the tissues in your mouth and along your jaw and neck to check for unusual masses or areas of tenderness. Together, these two steps create a thorough evaluation that can reveal concerns you may not have noticed on your own.
At New Day Dental Medical Aesthetics, our practice ranks among the top three most technologically advanced dental offices in the country. We incorporate 3D imaging and other modern diagnostic tools to improve the accuracy of our screenings. These technologies help us identify changes in tissue that may not be visible to the naked eye, giving you an added layer of protection.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancers affect tens of thousands of Americans every year. According to the CDC’s overview of oral cancer, nearly 46,000 new cases of oral cavity and pharynx cancer were reported in the United States in 2020, and these cancers were diagnosed in men almost three times more often than in women. Cancers found at earlier stages have significantly better survival rates, which makes regular screening one of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself.
Many people assume oral cancer only affects those who smoke or use tobacco products. While tobacco and alcohol use do increase your risk, the human papillomavirus has become an increasingly significant factor in oral cancers, particularly among younger adults. Prolonged sun exposure to the lips, a family history of cancer, and a weakened immune system can also play a role. Because oral cancer does not discriminate, screenings are important for everyone.
Understanding what puts you at higher risk and knowing what to watch for between dental visits can help you take a more proactive role in your health. Here are some of the most common risk factors and warning signs to be aware of:
If you notice any of these warning signs, do not wait for your next scheduled visit. Reaching out to your dental team promptly gives you the best chance of addressing concerns early.
Your oral cancer screening at New Day Dental Medical Aesthetics is comfortable, efficient, and thorough. The process begins with a conversation about your health history, lifestyle, and any symptoms you may have noticed. From there, Dr. Tucker or a member of our team performs the visual and physical examination, and if we identify anything that needs a closer look, we will walk you through the next steps in a calm and supportive way.
We recommend that adults receive an oral cancer screening at least once per year, though patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent evaluations. Because we incorporate screenings into your professional teeth cleaning appointments, staying current is as simple as keeping up with your regular dental visits. We also offer pediatric dental care for younger patients who need a gentle, age-appropriate approach to preventive health.
Your health is too important to leave to chance, and early detection can make all the difference when it comes to oral cancer. Dr. Jordan Tucker and our dedicated team at New Day Dental Medical Aesthetics are here to provide you with the thorough, technology-driven care that Cary families deserve. With a welcoming atmosphere and a genuine commitment to your well-being, we make every visit a positive experience.
Do not wait until a small concern becomes a bigger problem. Whether it has been a while since your last screening or you have noticed something unusual, we are ready to help. Take the next step toward protecting your health by contacting our office to schedule your oral cancer screening today.
