08/25/2026
Dental Tip Tuesday: Did you know…
Your dental visit is about more than checking your teeth?
When your dentist asks you to stick out your tongue, checks underneath it, feels around your jaw or neck, or takes a closer look at your cheeks and throat, they are not just doing it for fun. These are important parts of an oral cancer screening.
During your exam, your dental team checks your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, and other soft tissues for things like unusual sores, lumps, color changes, swelling, or areas that are not healing properly.
Oral cancer screenings are quick, simple, and an important part of routine dental care. Catching concerning changes early can make a big difference.
If you ever notice a sore that does not heal, a lump, ongoing hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or a spot in your mouth that looks different, do not wait until your next cleaning to mention it. Give your dental or medical provider a call and have it checked.
So the next time your dentist asks you to move your tongue around or feels along your jaw and neck, remember—there is a reason behind every part of your exam.