A quick, painless screening at every checkup because catching it early changes everything.
The Screening You Did Not Know You Needed
Why we screen at every visit
Oral cancer is more common than people realize, and when it is caught early, it is also one of the most treatable. We screen every patient at every cleaning not because we are looking for trouble, but because the cost of skipping it is too high and the screening itself takes only a few minutes.
How the OralID light helps
We use OralID, a fluorescent light technology that helps reveal abnormal tissue that may not be visible to the naked eye. The light makes healthy tissue glow green and abnormal tissue look dark. It is non-invasive just a quick scan of your mouth in dim light and it gives us another data point on top of the visual exam.
What we are looking for
We check the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, soft palate, and the back of the throat for any unusual lumps, patches, or color changes. We also feel along the jaw and neck for swollen lymph nodes. If we see anything that needs a closer look, we will refer you for further evaluation. Most of the time, we see nothing concerning and that is the point.
What is oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening is a quick visual and tactile examination of the mouth, throat, and neck looking for signs of cancer or precancerous changes. At Tatum Dentistry, we use the OralID fluorescent light system in addition to the visual exam. The screening is done at every routine cleaning and takes only a few minutes.
How much does oral cancer screening cost?
Oral cancer screening is included as part of your regular dental cleaning and exam at Tatum Dentistry there is no separate charge.
Does the screening hurt?
Not at all. The screening involves looking at the soft tissues of your mouth, gently feeling along the jaw and neck, and using the OralID light. There is no needle, no pressure, nothing uncomfortable.
How long does oral cancer screening take?
The screening itself takes only a few minutes and is built into your regular cleaning appointment. You will not need a separate visit. If we see anything that warrants a closer look, we will explain what we are seeing and recommend the right next step.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get screened?
Every adult, every regular dental visit. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV, and significant sun exposure on the lips — but oral cancer can develop in patients with no known risk factors. The screening is quick and painless, so we screen everyone.
What if you find something?
If we see something that warrants a closer look, we will explain what we are seeing and recommend a referral for biopsy or further evaluation. Most findings turn out to be benign. The point of screening is early detection — finding things early when they are most treatable.
How often should I be screened?
At every dental cleaning — typically every six months. Patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings. We will recommend the right schedule for you based on your medical history and risk profile.
Is the OralID light safe?
Yes. OralID uses a non-invasive fluorescent light to help reveal tissue changes that may not be obvious in normal light. There is no radiation involved. The light is one of several screening tools we use alongside the visual and tactile exam.
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