Happy young woman smiling confidently after a dental visit at Magnolia Family Dental in Midlothian VA

Oral Cancer Screenings

Your Proactive Partner In Your Dental Health

At Magnolia Family Dental, we prioritize both your oral health and your entire well-being, and a key part of that are regular oral cancer screenings. Dr. Smith, Dr. Bittler and our expert team are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care with an emphasis on early detection and prompt intervention. This important exam can make a big difference in the lives of our patients by identifying varying types of oral diseases, preventing teeth from breaking or tooth loss and educating you on important oral health tips.

What Are Oral Cancer Screenings?

Oral cancer screenings are an integral part of your regular dental exams at Magnolia Family Dental and are recommended by the American Dental Association. They are quick but essential to maintaining not just good oral health, but also in detecting any potential signs of cancer early on. During this exam, Dr. Smith or Dr. Bittler will assess your mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks for any signs of oral cancer. They will also gently push on your face and jaw to look for any concerning lumps or bumps. As experienced dentists, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bittler know what abnormalities or changes to look for.

The Importance Of Oral Cancer Screenings

The main goal of oral cancer screenings is to catch the disease early. Early detection allows for a greater chance of successful treatment. The screenings only take a few minutes and can help detect cancer even before symptoms start. When caught early, oral cancer is very treatable. We may also refer you to a specialist if we believe you need further testing.

Magnolia Family Dental deep pink magnolia flower logo symbol.

Who Should Receive Oral Cancer Screenings?

The short answer is that everyone should receive an oral health screening during each routine dental checkup in order to ensure you maintain excellent oral and overall health. Some patients are at a higher risk and may need oral cancer screenings more often, including those who:

  • Have a family history of oral health problems
  • Smoke or drink excessively
  • Are pregnant
  • Take medications that cause dry mouth
  • Are older and more susceptible to periodontal disease
  • Have poor oral hygiene habits
  • Have chronic health conditions such as diabetes
Smiling man playing outdoors with his child after a dental visit at Magnolia Family Dental in Midlothian VA

Taking A Proactive Approach To Your Oral Health At Home

Oral cancer screenings at Magnolia Family Dental is an important part of your health and wellness. In between visits, here are some signs of oral cancer you can look for at home:

  • Unusual sores or cuts in the mouth
  • Lumps or bumps that become painful
  • Red or white patches in the cheeks
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Redness or bleeding in the gums
  • Unexplained ulcers that have difficulty healing
  • Earaches that won’t go away

Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

We hope to empower patients about their dental health and decisions. For that reason, patient education is at the core of what we do. Below are some questions we receive about oral cancer and screenings:

We will begin screenings around the age of 18.

We perform them annually as part of your routine exam. If you spot a sign or symptom at home, however, we encourage you to visit us before your next scheduled appointment.

You can! Though heavy smoke and tobacco use puts you at higher risk of developing oral cancer, those who do not smoke can still get it.

Take Charge Of Your Oral Health

Dr. Smith, Dr. Bittler and our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have. If you have concerns about your dental health, don’t wait. Request an appointment online or call us at (804) 744-9051 in Midlothian for expert preventative care and peace of mind.

Rooted In Family, Focused On Smiles

At Magnolia Family Dental in Midlothian, VA, you’re more than a patient—you’re family. From your very first visit, we take the time to get to know you, understand your needs and provide personalized, stress-free care you can trust. Request an appointment today and experience dentistry that feels genuinely personal.

Magnolia Family Dental exterior office building with signage in Midlothian, VA.

One-Of-A-Kind Smiles In Midlothian, VA

5161 Craig Rath Blvd, Midlothian, VA 23112

(804) 744-9051