Nobody wakes up thinking, “I hope my dentist finds something suspicious today.” In fact, most of us spend the drive to our appointment mentally rehearsing how to explain that we’ve been flossing less than we’d like to admit. But here’s the thing: while we’re busy worrying about cavities and cleanings, your dentist is looking for something far more important: oral cancer.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
If you’ve ever wondered why Dr. Sheen asks you to stick out your tongue, say “ah,” or gently presses on the sides of your neck during a checkup, you’ve already experienced an oral cancer screening. You probably didn’t even realize it.
This quick, painless part of your routine exam takes about five minutes. Dr. Sheen is looking for:
- Sores that bleed easily or don’t heal
- Rough patches or crusty areas
- Red or white spots
- Lumps or thickening of the cheek lining
- Trouble swallowing or moving the tongue
It’s not uncomfortable. It’s not scary. And it could quite literally save your life.
Why This Matters Right Now
Here’s a statistic that surprises most people: oral cancer is actually becoming more common. While we often associate it with tobacco and heavy alcohol use, still major risk factors, there’s been a significant rise in cases caused by HPV (human papillomavirus). This version of oral cancer tends to affect younger, non-smoking adults.
The good news? When caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer is about 84%. When caught late, those numbers flip. That’s why the screening matters so much. Most early signs are painless and easy to miss. You wouldn’t notice them in the mirror. Dr. Sheen is trained to spot them.
The Annapolis Difference
At The Annapolis Center for Dental Health and Wellness, we don’t treat patients like they’re on a conveyor belt. Dr. Sheen has been part of this community since 1991. He knows that the person in the chair isn’t just a set of teeth. They’re a neighbor, a friend, someone’s parent or grandchild.
That relationship matters when we’re talking about something as serious as cancer detection.
Our comprehensive exam includes a thorough head and neck screening because we believe in treating the whole person. It’s not just about keeping your smile beautiful, though we do plenty of that too. It’s about making sure you stay healthy enough to enjoy that smile for years to come.
What You Can Do
The most important step is simple: keep your regular dental appointments. Twice-yearly checkups mean any changes in your mouth get caught quickly. If you notice something unusual between visits, such as a sore that won’t heal, a lump, or trouble swallowing, don’t wait. Give us a call.
And if you’re a new patient wondering what to expect, know this: you’re coming to a practice where people listen. We’ll take time to understand your health history, your concerns, and your goals. Then we’ll work with you to keep your whole body healthier, starting with your mouth.
Experience the Difference
Dr. Sheen is accepting new patients of all ages at our Annapolis office. Whether you’re due for a checkup or just looking for a dental home that truly cares about your wellbeing, we’d love to meet you. Call (443) 482-5202 to or request an appointment online. It might just be the most important five minutes of your year.