Like any other disease or condition, early cancer detection is key for doctors to begin a treatment plan that keeps you healthier and stops the condition from worsening. Oral cancer is no different; the sooner you detect it, the earlier a patient can begin a treatment plan. Therefore, regular dental check-ups are key to early cancer detection.
When was the last time you had a dental check-up? If it’s been over six months or even longer, or if you’re experiencing some odd symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your family dentist. Continue reading to learn why regular dental check-ups are key to early cancer detection and how Rhoades Family Dentistry is committed to your family’s health and early cancer detection.
What is Oral Cancer?
When you hear the “c” word, you most likely think of the more common types of cancers like breast, ovarian, or prostate, but did you know that oral cancer is common, too? According to the American Cancer Society, there have been over 59,660 Americans diagnosed with oral cancer so far in 2025. Oral cancer is when cancerous tissues are found inside the oral cavity, including the cheeks, gums, tongue, and even the throat.
Treatments for oral cancer can include a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, all dependent upon the individual patient’s condition. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment and improved survival rates. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 68% of those diagnosed with oral cancer have a five-year survival rate of 68%. Therefore, early detection is crucial to improving survival rates.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of oral cancer can mimic other oral health concerns, like gum disease, canker sores, bleeding gums, and more. Symptoms include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- Sores and lumps in the oral cavity
- Challenges during swallowing or chewing
- Pain or bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness in the oral cavity
- Coughing that doesn’t resolve
- Ear aches
- The feeling of something stuck in the throat
- Hoarseness
While these symptoms can mimic other oral health concerns, if you experience any and they don’t seem to heal over the course of a couple of weeks, it’s best to contact your doctor. It’s best to schedule a dental check-up for cancer detection for symptoms that don’t heal or resolve within 14 days.
Dental Check-ups and Cancer Detection – Are Dental Check-ups Helpful?
Unfortunately, because it mimics other conditions, oral cancer is often unnoticed by patients themselves. We’ve all experienced mouth sores, sensitive gums, or scratches in the mouth, whether from biting the cheeks or tongue while chewing, an injury, rough brushing/flossing, or from dental devices. However, if symptoms persist or don’t go away after a couple of weeks, it’s time to contact your family dentist. Dental check-ups for cancer detection are crucial in identifying oral cancer early, thereby increasing the chances of survival.
Oral cancer doesn’t just affect smokers, though smoking and oral health are directly linked, and smokers have an increased risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, smokers are 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer. However, anyone is at risk of developing oral cancer, but everyone over the age of 18 should schedule a dental check-up for cancer detection.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
The term oral cancer screening can sound intimidating, but at Rhoades Family Dentistry, it’s quick and painless. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll are members of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Association of Orthodontics, among many other organizations, and utilize state-of-the-art technology for early detection of oral cancer.
We use our VELscope Vx, a device that aids in the detection of oral abnormalities. We check your entire oral cavity for signs of oral cancer. The VELscope Vx emits a blue light that pinpoints oral abnormalities that often display different hues than healthy tissue. The device is quick and painless, making it easier to detect oral cancer early, which can lead to increased survival rates.
Book an Oral Cancer Screening with Rhoade’s Family Dentistry
Your family dentist should offer oral cancer screenings. Rhoades Family Dentistry can detect oral cancer in its early stages and screen for oral abnormalities during dental check-ups to aid in early cancer detection.
Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventative maintenance, fillings, and more. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to help recommend the best type of oral hygiene practices for your entire family, including oral cancer screenings, Invisalign and braces, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, whitening, and more.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!
