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Oral Cancer Screenings
When you last visited our office for your regular cleaning, you likely received an oral cancer screening. Many of our patients may not know or understand what an oral cancer screening is, or why we perform them. The oral cancer screening is a visual and physical exam of the oral cavity and connected tissues to identify any early signs of oral cancer. Whether or not you are at risk, it is common procedure for one of our dental professionals to perform these 10 second screenings at your regular dental cleaning visit.
The reason that oral cancer screenings are standard procedure is that there is a significant advantage to catching oral cancer before symptoms begin to show, and it is a brief and simple check that is extremely effective in identifying oral cancer in its early stages.
When performing the brief exam, one of our dental professionals will examine your face, neck, lips, and nose area for any asymmetries, bumps, discoloration, or other abnormalities. A brief physical exam will follow to ensure the mouth, cheeks, jaw and neck area are free of nodules or irregularities, which may be a cause for concern.
As this is a precautionary measure, not a diagnostic measure, any causes for concern may simply initiate a request for further screening at regular intervals or follow-up, especially if you engage in lifestyle practices such as tobacco or alcohol use that may increase your risk level.
The Oral Cancer Foundation has initiated a campaign this year called “Check Your Mouth,” which encourages individuals to also perform at-home oral cancer screenings in between dental visits. If you are at high risk for oral cancer, you are especially encouraged to visit www.checkyourmouth.org for a simple how-to video on self-screening to get you started.
We at Cooper Family Dentistry care about your overall oral well-being and will partner with you to ensure you remain in the best health possible under our care. If you have any questions or concerns at any time about any oral health issue, we would be glad to discuss them with you to ensure they are properly addressed. Call us today to set up your next appointment, or visit our site to request an appointment online: https://www.coopersmiles.com/appointment-request/
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Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.