At First Light Dental of Coastal VA in Poquoson, Dr. Uzma Shahbaz provide thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our commitment to complete dental health. Just like with any form of cancer, early detection is critical. Regular screenings serve as your first line of defense, giving you the best chance at successful treatment.

During your exam, Dr. Shahbaz will carefully check your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat for any abnormalities that could indicate cancer or precancerous changes. If you’ve noticed symptoms lasting more than a week—such as mouth sores that don’t heal, unexplained bleeding, ear pain, lumps, red or white patches, or difficulty swallowing—it’s important to schedule an appointment right away.

In the U.S., one person dies of oral cancer every hour. While anyone can develop it, certain risk factors increase the chances: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, GERD, genetic predisposition, and poor nutrition. Men are also at higher risk than women.

The encouraging news is that oral cancers found early have an 80–90% survival rate. Early detection allows for simpler, less invasive treatment with far greater success. Delaying screenings increases the likelihood that cancer progresses to more complex, harder-to-treat stages.

At First Light Dental of Coastal VA, we are dedicated to protecting your health with proactive care. Dr. Uzma Shahbaz welcome new patients and encourage you to schedule an oral cancer screening to safeguard your smile and overall well-being.