Oral Cancer Screenings

Shutterstock-Happy-Dental-Patient-2.jpg

Dr. Storm in Walpole, MA, performs oral cancer screenings to look for precancerous issues or signs of cancer in your mouth. Early cancer detection is the best chance for a cure.

  • If you are having your teeth cleaned every six months, Dr. Storm is looking for any signs of problems during that exam, but if you are at a higher risk of oral cancer, a more in-depth exam might be warranted. You need to talk to Dr. Storm about an oral screening exam if you:

  • Use tobacco (smoking or chewing tobacco)

  • Regularly drink large amounts of alcohol

  • Have had oral cancer in the past

  • Spend a lot of time in the sun or tanning beds (increases chances of lip cancer)

An oral screening exam should take less than 5 minutes. Besides looking in the normal areas of the mouth, Dr. Storm will also palpate the tissues inside and outside the mouth, as well as under the tongue and the chin. He will be looking for suspicious lumps or spots, and you should call him immediately if you notice these things on your own. Dr. Storm may also ask you to rinse your mouth with a blue dye to better see any areas of abnormal cells.

If you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, call Dr. Storm today to set up a time for an oral screening exam.