In this year alone approximately 35,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral cancer. When found early, oral cancer has a very high survival rate. Unfortunately, when patients don’t see the dentist every six months, most oral cancer is found as late stage cancer.

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.

Oak Harbor Family Dentistry uses the OralCDx® oral cancer screening system. It is an easy, painless and definitive way for Dr. Appleton to test the common small white and red oral spots that most people have in their mouth at one time or another. The BrushTest is used to determine if a common oral spot contains abnormal cells (known as dysplasia) that, if left alone for several years, may develop into oral cancer.