Your oral health is inseparable from your overall health — and we take that seriously. At Alaska Smiles, an oral cancer screening is part of every exam. Not as an add-on. Not as an upsell. Because it matters. Here's what's worth knowing: one person dies every hour in the United States from oral cancer. And yet the survival rate exceeds 80 percent when it's caught early. The tragedy isn't the disease — it's the late detection. Too many patients are never properly screened. We made a different choice. Symptoms to be aware of include: • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth • Numbness, pain, or loss of feeling in any oral tissue • Difficulty chewing or swallowing • Ear pain • Persistent sore throat • White, red, or speckled patches in the mouth • Swelling, lumps, rough spots, or unexplained growths Oral cancer most commonly affects: • The front two-thirds of the tongue • The lining of the cheeks and lips • The floor of the mouth • The roof of the mouth • The gums • The area behind the wisdom teeth • The minor salivary glands Even when these areas are visible during a standard exam, early-stage abnormalities aren't always detectable by the naked eye. That's why we use advanced screening technology — to see what a visual check alone might miss. Five minutes, every visit. It's a small thing that can make an enormous difference. If oral cancer is found, treatment typically involves surgery and coordination with oncology specialists. Every case is different. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms above, don't wait — call us to schedule a screening and consultation. The best outcome is the one where we never have to have that conversation. Come in for your six-month exam and let us help you stay ahead of it.
"A great and friendly staff.Who are very informative.Took care of a tooth that had broken off asap."
