When you schedule a routine dental checkup, you probably expect one thing: someone telling you to floss more. But here at Wayne Family Dentistry, your regular visit does a lot more than check for cavities. While we’re looking at your teeth, we’re also quietly doing something that could save your life. We’re screening you for oral cancer.
Most people don’t know that. And honestly? That’s part of the problem.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
During your routine cleaning or exam, one of our dentists, maybe Dr. Richter or Dr. O’Brien, will take about two extra minutes. They’ll gently feel along your neck and jawline. They’ll ask you to open your mouth and stick out your tongue. And then they’ll look at the sides of your tongue, the roof of your mouth, the insides of your cheeks, and the floor of your mouth under your tongue.
That’s it. No poking. No pain. And no weird machines (unless we see something that needs a closer look).
What are we looking for? Any sore, lump, or patch of red or white that doesn’t belong there. Most of the time, everything looks healthy. But on the rare occasion that something looks off, catching it early makes a world of difference.
Why This Matters in Wayne, PA
Oral cancer isn’t something most people worry about. But nearly 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. And when it’s caught late, the survival rate is low. When it’s caught early? That number flips.
That’s why we don’t treat this as an “extra” service. It’s a standard part of your regular dental care. You don’t have to ask for it. We just do it. Your six-month checkup isn’t just about keeping your smile pretty. It’s about keeping you healthy.
Who Needs These Screenings?
Everyone. Plain and simple.
Yes, certain habits raise your risk. Smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV are all linked to oral cancer. But about 25% of oral cancers happen in people who don’t smoke or drink at all. That means even if you take great care of yourself, even if you’ve never touched tobacco, even if you’re young and healthy, you still benefit from a quick yearly screening.
Think of it like wearing a seatbelt. You don’t expect to need it. But you’re glad it’s there.
It Takes Two Minutes
We know life is busy. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and everything else on your plate, a dental visit can feel like just one more thing to check off the list. But those two extra minutes during your exam? They might be the most valuable two minutes of your entire appointment.
One of our patients wrote after a recent visit: “The service provided by Dr. Richter and assistants was highly commendable. Overall, I was quite satisfied with the proficiency and expertise displayed.” That “proficiency and expertise” includes knowing what to look for, and what to do if something doesn’t look right.
Come See Us
If you’re due for a checkup, or if it’s simply been a while, don’t put it off. Call us at 610-347-5133 or request an appointment online.
You’ll get your teeth cleaned. You might get reminded to floss more. And you’ll get a two-minute screening that gives you one less thing to worry about. That’s what we call a good visit.