The Life-Saving Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings in Ashland, OR
At Today’s Dentistry, our top rated dentist in Ashland, OR, Dr. James Burneson and his team are committed to providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond just cleaning your teeth. For residents of Ashland, Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and surrounding communities, regular dental checkups include an essential component that many don’t realize they’re receiving: oral cancer screenings. These quick, painless examinations can literally save lives through early detection.
If you haven’t scheduled your regular dental checkup yet, now is the perfect time to prioritize this essential aspect of your health care. Contact our Ashland dental office today by calling (541) 482-7771.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
When you visit Dr. Burneson for your regular dental checkup, the oral cancer screening is seamlessly integrated into your examination. During this screening, Dr. Burneson carefully examines your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of your mouth, and throat for any abnormalities. He’s looking for discolored patches, unusual lumps, sores that haven’t healed, or other warning signs that might indicate a problem.
The screening is quick, painless, and involves both visual inspection and gentle palpation of the tissues in your mouth and neck. Dr. Burneson may also use specialized tools designed to highlight abnormal tissues that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer, like many forms of cancer, responds best to treatment when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer patients exceeds 80%. Unfortunately, most oral cancers are discovered in later stages, when the survival rate drops dramatically to around 20%.
Early detection through regular screenings gives you the best chance of successful treatment if anything concerning is found. Even if you don’t use tobacco products or drink alcohol—two major risk factors for oral cancer—screenings are essential because approximately 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people without traditional risk factors.
Risk Factors You Should Know About
Several factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco use in any form (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous oral cancer diagnosis
- Prolonged sun exposure (particularly affects the lips)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Age (most oral cancers occur in people over 40)
- Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
If you have one or more of these risk factors, regular screenings become even more critical. Dr. Burneson can recommend appropriate screening intervals based on your personal risk profile.
Take Immediate Action for Your Oral Health
Your oral health is connected to your overall wellbeing in countless ways. By making regular dental checkups with oral cancer screenings a priority, you’re taking a proactive step toward protecting both. Dr. James Burneson and our team at Today’s Dentistry in Ashland are dedicated to providing these essential screenings as part of comprehensive dental care for patients throughout the Rogue Valley, including Medford, Talent, Phoenix, and Jacksonville.
Don’t wait until something feels wrong—prevention and early detection are your best defense. Contact the best dentist in Ashland by calling (541) 482-7771 to schedule your next dental checkup and oral cancer screening. Your future self will thank you for this simple yet potentially life-saving decision.