Your Dental Exam Includes a Screening for Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers

Your routine dental exam and cleaning at North Mesquite Dental is designed to allow our team to remove all traces of plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth as well as monitor your overall oral health. This also includes a screening for signs of oral or pharyngeal cancers. Early detection of these oral health maladies is important for treatment success.

Researched published by the American Dental Association found that each year one in 92 adults are diagnosed with some form of oral or pharyngeal cancer. Certain factors, like a family history of oral cancer, tobacco use and frequent alcohol consumption, increase your chances of developing oral cancer.

Dr. Tina Foss will perform the screening for oral and pharyngeal cancer at the conclusion of your regular dental checkup. This involves inspecting your tongue, throat, face and neck for any swelling or abnormal discoloration. Be sure to let your dentist know about any increased risk factors for oral cancer you might have.

If she notices any signs of oral or pharyngeal cancer, she will refer you to a specialist or oncologist to start the diagnostics and treatment process.

If you live in the Mesquite, Texas, area and you have concerns about oral or pharyngeal cancer, you should call (972) 619-7763 to schedule a checkup and oral cancer screening at North Mesquite Dental.