5 Minutes Could Save Your Life: How to Get Your Oral Cancer Screening in Murfreesboro
If there is one word no one likes to hear, it’s cancer. It hits close to home, whether it’s about your own health or someone you love. The fear is real, and so is the uncertainty that comes with it.
What many people don’t realize is that some cancers can be spotted early. Oral cancer is one of them. A quick oral cancer screening during a dental visit can catch warning signs before they turn into something far more serious. In many cases, it only takes a few minutes to check—and those minutes can matter more than you think.
What is an oral cancer screening?
That all said, the idea of an oral cancer screening may raise some questions for you. What is involved? Will it hurt? Is it invasive? How long does an oral cancer screening take? And these are all fair questions that we get asked by our patients frequently. But thankfully, we have good news for you.
An oral cancer screening is a short exam done right in the dental office. Your dentist looks at your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and the back of your throat. They may also feel your jaw and neck. The goal is to check for changes in color, texture, or shape that don’t look normal.
The screening only takes a few minutes. There are no needles, tools, or discomfort. It’s simply a careful visual and hands-on check that fits easily into a routine dental visit.
Why Early Detection Matters
According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer remains a serious health concern. For 2025, estimates point to about 59,660 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in the United States. Around 12,770 deaths are also expected. These cancers most often develop on the tongue, in the tonsils or oropharynx, and along the gums or floor of the mouth.
Where oral cancer starts can affect outcomes. Cancers found on the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, or in the throat can behave differently and respond to treatment in different ways. What stays consistent is timing. Many oral cancers are found in later stages, after symptoms become hard to ignore. At that point, treatment can be more complex.
When oral cancer is found early, the chances of meeting or surpassing the five-year survival rate rise sharply. That’s why routine screenings matter. Spotting changes before they spread can make a meaningful difference in treatment options and long-term health.
Common Oral Cancer Risk Factors
As with many cancers, various habits and health factors can increase your risk. With oral and esophageal cancer specifically, the following factors can increase your risks. Knowing these risks can help you decide when screenings should be part of your routine care.
Here are the common oral cancer risk factors to be aware of.
- Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
- HPV infection
- Excessive sun exposure, which can affect the lips
- A family history of cancer
- Age over 40
Even if one or more of these apply to you, it doesn’t mean cancer will develop. What it does mean is that daily habits matter. Brushing, flossing, and paying attention to changes in your mouth all play a role. When at-home care is paired with regular dental cleanings and screenings, your dentist has more opportunities to spot changes early. Together, these steps can help lower risks and support a healthier mouth over time.
Oral Cancer Screening During Your Dental Visit
Though you can certainly request an appointment specifically for an oral cancer screening, many patients are pleased to know that screenings are included as part of your professional dental cleaning appointments that take place every six months. This means no extra trips and no extra time set aside.
During your appointment, the dentist takes a close look at your mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. They may also gently feel along your jaw and neck to check for tissue that feels unusual. This helps spot changes that aren’t always visible.
The process is quick and comfortable. Most patients barely notice it happening, yet it adds an extra layer of care to a visit you’re already making for your smile.
Get your oral cancer screening in Murfreesboro, TN.
Five minutes. That’s often all it takes to add an oral cancer screening to your dental visit. It’s quick, comfortable, and done right in the chair you’re already sitting in. For many patients, those few minutes bring reassurance and clarity about their oral health.
Regular dental cleanings do more than keep your smile looking its best. They also give your dentist a chance to check for changes that don’t belong. That’s one reason routine visits play such an important role in general dentistry.
Screenings help spot concerns early, before symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.If it’s been a while since your last appointment, now is a great time to schedule a cleaning with Lane Dentistry. At your next visit, ask about oral cancer screening, and make it part of your ongoing care. A few extra minutes today can support better health tomorrow.
