Oral Cancer Screening in Plano, TX
Early Detection Could Save Your Life
Oral cancer affects thousands of Americans each year—but when caught early, it’s one of the most treatable forms of cancer. That’s why All Day Smiles Dental includes thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to comprehensive, preventive care. Led by Dr. Sweeta Walia, our team uses a combination of visual inspection and advanced diagnostic tools to identify abnormalities that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently, we invite you to make it part of your next dental visit.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a non-invasive exam of the mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat designed to detect early signs of cancer or pre-cancerous conditions. Screenings are fast, painless, and can be life-saving when abnormalities are discovered early.
Our dentists examine:
- Lips and cheeks
- Tongue (top, bottom, and sides)
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Gums and soft tissue
- Throat and tonsil area
- Jaw and neck for lumps or asymmetry
Screenings are performed during your routine dental exam and take only a few minutes, but the impact can be significant.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer often develops silently, without pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages. Risk factors include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Excessive sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
- Family history of cancer
- Age (most common over age 40)
Even if you have no symptoms or known risk factors, regular screenings are still recommended as part of your preventive care routine.
What Happens If Something Is Found?
If we detect an area of concern, we’ll:
- Document and photograph the lesion or irregularity
- Discuss the findings and your next steps
- Refer you to a specialist if a biopsy or further evaluation is needed
We believe in transparent communication and will guide you through the process with clarity and compassion. If needed, follow-up care can be coordinated alongside other services such as nutritional counseling or restorative treatment as appropriate.
Oral Cancer Symptoms to Watch For
While screenings are essential, it's also important to stay alert to possible signs of oral cancer between visits. Contact us if you notice:
- A persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal
- Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Unexplained numbness or pain in the face or mouth
- A sudden change in the way your teeth fit together
These symptoms don’t always indicate cancer—but they should always be evaluated promptly.
Serving Plano and Surrounding Communities
We provide comprehensive oral cancer screening services to patients across Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Murphy, Parker, and Richardson. Our office offers multilingual support and a patient-first approach, helping everyone feel at ease while receiving important preventive care.
Related Services
Early detection is only one part of proactive oral health. Consider pairing your screening with:
- Dental Cleanings & Exams for ongoing oral health maintenance
- Sedation Dentistry if you experience dental anxiety
- Oral Nutritional Counseling to support tissue health and immune strength
- Fluoride Treatment to protect your enamel between visits
We offer personalized preventive plans based on your lifestyle, health history, and oral health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
We perform an oral cancer screening at every regular dental exam—typically every six months unless otherwise recommended.
Is screening covered by insurance?
Yes. Most dental insurance plans include oral cancer screening as part of your preventive care. Our front office team can verify your coverage.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is completely painless and non-invasive. It involves a visual and tactile exam of your mouth and neck.
What if I’ve never smoked or used tobacco?
Even patients without traditional risk factors can develop oral cancer. Routine screenings are essential for everyone, regardless of lifestyle.
Book an Oral Cancer Screening in Plano Today
Peace of mind starts with prevention. At All Day Smiles Dental, your health is always our priority. If it’s been more than six months since your last oral cancer screening, now is the time to schedule.