Oral Cancer Screening in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
At Dentists on the Square, your oral health goes far beyond clean teeth and a bright smile. We take a whole-mouth, whole-patient approach to care — which includes routine oral cancer screenings as part of every comprehensive exam.
Located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, our Philadelphia dental office offers gentle, thorough screenings designed to catch warning signs early, when oral cancer is most treatable. It's a small part of your visit that could make a life-saving difference.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer often starts with few or no symptoms, and can progress quickly if left undetected. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, which is why we include screenings in every routine exam.
Fast facts:
- Oral cancer is responsible for over 11,000 deaths in the U.S. annually
- Early-stage oral cancer has an 80–90% survival rate
- Dentists are often the first providers to detect signs of oral cancer
Our team is trained to recognize subtle changes in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues — even before symptoms appear.
What We Look For During a Screening
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and performed visually and manually during your dental visit. Your dentist will examine:
- Lips, gums, cheeks, and palate
- The floor and roof of the mouth
- The back of the throat
- Tongue (top, bottom, and sides)
- Neck and jaw for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes
We’re looking for anything unusual, including:
- Red or white patches
- Persistent sores that don’t heal
- Thickened or rough areas
- Lumps or bumps
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or face
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the jaw
If anything suspicious is found, we’ll discuss next steps right away and may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Who Should Get Screened?
Everyone should receive regular oral cancer screenings — not just people in high-risk groups. However, the risk is higher if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Are over the age of 40
- Have a history of HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Have prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Have a family history of oral or head and neck cancers
Even patients with no risk factors should be screened regularly, as cases are increasingly found in younger, otherwise healthy adults.
When Are Screenings Performed?
We perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental visit. Most patients receive screenings every 6 months during their cleaning and exam. If you’ve noticed anything unusual or have a personal concern, don’t wait — call us to schedule a focused evaluation.
Your Health is Too Important to Wait
We believe in proactive care — because early detection saves lives. Patients throughout Philadelphia’s 19103 area trust us not just to keep their teeth clean, but to protect their overall wellness.
Book Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Have questions or want peace of mind? Schedule an oral cancer screening with our experienced team today. We proudly serve patients in Rittenhouse Square, Center City, and across Philadelphia.