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Oral Cancer Screening

Maintain A Healthy Smile

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Protect Your Health With an Oral Cancer Screening in Naperville

A healthy mouth helps you enjoy a healthy life. A quick oral cancer screening in Naperville is one of the easiest ways to keep it that way. During your screening, Dr. Murmann will check for early warning signs, so she can spot small concerns before they grow. Finding changes early gives you the best chance at simple treatment.

The screening takes just a few minutes, and you won't feel any discomfort. Our team will take time to explain what we see and answer your questions. You'll leave knowing more about your mouth and how to protect it. Screenings are part of your dental cleaning and exam, so you don't need a separate visit.

Early morning and evening hours make it easy to fit your appointment into a busy week. Contact us today if you're due for a checkup.

Discover What Happens During Your Oral Cancer Check

Visual Check

We look over your lips and the inside of your mouth for red or white patches.

Touch Exam

Dr. Murmann gently feels your jaw and neck for lumps or swelling.

HPV Awareness

Some types of HPV can cause cancer near the back of the throat, so we check this area with extra care.

Clear Next Steps

If we spot a concern, we'll explain what we see and refer you to a specialist for testing.

How to Decrease Your Risk for Mouth & Throat Cancers

You should see your dentist at least every six months for an exam. Since your mouth often shows early signs of health problems elsewhere in your body, these regular screenings protect more than just your smile. Your cancer screening takes place during these exams and requires no special preparation or needles.

Between visits, you can watch for a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks or a lump in your cheek. If you notice this, it's important to see your dentist ASAP. Hoarseness or trouble swallowing should also prompt a call. Reach out to our office if you notice any of these changes so we can take a closer look.

To lessen your risk of mouth and throat cancer:

  • Don't consume alcohol and tobacco. These substances are particularly problematic when consumed together. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk for mouth cancer is 30 times higher for smokers and drinkers than for those who don't smoke or drink.
  • Get the HPV vaccine.
  • Use lip balm with SPF of at least 30.
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Contact us today if you have any questions about oral cancer screening in Naperville.

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

This is my first time with the Murmann dental health. The whole team is very caring and taking the time to attend their patient, my hygienist was very friendly and helpful and did the cleaning very nicely. And, the Dr was very specifically checked each and every thing on my paper work which I...

This is my first time with the Murmann dental health. The whole team is very caring and taking the time to attend their patient, my hygienist was very friendly and helpful and did the cleaning very nicely. And, the Dr was very specifically checked each and every thing on my paper work which I haven't experienced in my previous and prior dentists. I am very much pleased with my appointment, and the dentist I got. Thank you so much Dr. Murmann! And I should thank my periodontist to recommending Dr.Murmann.


Revathi M

Going to the dentist has never been one of my favorite things, but this office truly makes the experience so much better. The front desk staff are warm and friendly. Dr. Murmann is kind, professional, and helps put me more at ease — even with my dental anxiety. She's patient, understanding, and...

Going to the dentist has never been one of my favorite things, but this office truly makes the experience so much better. The front desk staff are warm and friendly. Dr. Murmann is kind, professional, and helps put me more at ease — even with my dental anxiety. She's patient, understanding, and really great with nervous patients. And I have to say — her hygienist Diana is the best! Gentle, thorough, and always so friendly. I don't dread my appointments quite as much as I used to. Highly recommend!


Renee S

I was referred by a family friend so this was my first visit. I had a broken tooth and another was cracked. I was in some pain. Michelle at the front desk scheduled an appointment for the next business day. Dr Murmann is extremely skilled and very personable. Kayla her assistant was also...

I was referred by a family friend so this was my first visit. I had a broken tooth and another was cracked. I was in some pain. Michelle at the front desk scheduled an appointment for the next business day. Dr Murmann is extremely skilled and very personable. Kayla her assistant was also extremely attentive and competent. They managed my pain and fixed my teeth in the first visit. I have some follow up that will be required but Dr Murmann laid out all my options to consider. Really excellent people and so good at what they do. My mouth went from a pain level of 7-8 to no pain one day later.


John J

Our family has been seeing Dr. Murmann for over 10 years now and we all love her!! From the time you walk in until you leave everyone is very attentive to making sure you feel welcome. I feel like they do their best to make going to the dentist as painless as possible. They are also really good...

Our family has been seeing Dr. Murmann for over 10 years now and we all love her!! From the time you walk in until you leave everyone is very attentive to making sure you feel welcome. I feel like they do their best to make going to the dentist as painless as possible. They are also really good at taking care of the insurance and sending in estimates so you know what you'll be paying. I can't recommend her highly enough!!


Sheryl C

Our entire family goes to Murmann. Our kids (3-8 yo) are very comfortable there. They look forward to going back. I love that Dr. Murmann is very detailed and takes time to make sure everything feels right. We appreciate the entire staff there!

Kaitlyn J

My family has been going to Dr. Murmann for 15 years. We moved 40 miles away and decided - why change from the best? I never liked the dentist, I love Murmann Dental Health. I highly recommend!

Ryan C

I have been a patient of Dr. Murmann for almost 15 years. The care and quality from her and her staff is unmatched. A few years ago I had to switch to a different dentist due to insurance issues, and havent been able to find anyone with the same quality. Most people dread going to the dentist. I...

I have been a patient of Dr. Murmann for almost 15 years. The care and quality from her and her staff is unmatched. A few years ago I had to switch to a different dentist due to insurance issues, and havent been able to find anyone with the same quality. Most people dread going to the dentist. I would look forward to it. Over the weekend I broke my front tooth and was expecting it to be pulled. I called up her office (it had been several years) bawling my eyes out, willing to pay out of pocket, because I knew she would be able to help. Even if the damage was too severe, she would be able to guide me with the next steps. She got me in the next morning and was able to save my tooth! I cant thank her enough. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.


Holly P

I love my dentist!! I was lucky enough to say that about my previous dentist as well and when he retired i hunted on Reddit for recommendations and found Murmann! 30 minutes after my cleaning, I recommended Dr. Murmann ( and Gina.. the most gentle hygenist I've ever experienced) to a woman in...

I love my dentist!! I was lucky enough to say that about my previous dentist as well and when he retired i hunted on Reddit for recommendations and found Murmann! 30 minutes after my cleaning, I recommended Dr. Murmann ( and Gina.. the most gentle hygenist I've ever experienced) to a woman in line at Homegoods next door to the office. Highly recommend this dentist who i also love because she STILL MASKS!! Bravo for understanding airborne viruses!!


Cassie C

Common Questions About Oral Cancer Screening

What is an oral cancer screening? 
An oral cancer screening is a short exam that checks the mouth and neck for early signs of cancer. A dentist looks for unusual sores or color changes and feels for lumps under the skin. Most screenings happen during a routine checkup and take only a few minutes, with no special preparation needed.
How often should you get an oral cancer screening? 
Most adults should get an oral cancer screening at each routine dental checkup, which usually happens every six months. Patients who use tobacco or drink heavily may need closer monitoring. Regular screenings help a dentist compare findings from one visit to the next and catch small changes while they're still easy to treat.
What are the early signs of oral cancer? 
Early signs of oral cancer include a mouth sore that doesn't heal within two weeks and red or white patches inside the mouth. A lump in the cheek or neck is another sign. Some patients notice numbness in the lip or have trouble swallowing. Many early changes cause no pain, which is why screenings matter.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt? 

An oral cancer screening is painless and takes only a few minutes. A dentist looks inside the mouth with a light and a mirror, then gently feels the jaw and neck for lumps. There are no needles or drills involved. Most patients barely notice the screening because it happens as part of a regular exam.

Who is at higher risk for oral cancer? 

Tobacco use and heavy alcohol use are two of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. Certain types of HPV also cause many cancers in the back of the throat. Age plays a role too, since most diagnoses happen after age 40. Even patients without these risk factors can develop oral cancer.

How can you check for oral cancer at home? 

You can check for oral cancer at home with a monthly self-exam and a mirror. This includes looking at the lips and gums for sores or color changes and checking under the tongue. Feeling the neck and jaw for lumps is another step. Any change lasting longer than two weeks deserves an exam.

Is oral cancer treatable when found early? 

Oral cancer is much easier to treat when caught in its early stages. If the cancer hasn't spread from where it started, the five-year survival rate is around 85 percent. That number drops sharply once the cancer reaches distant parts of the body. Early detection often means smaller surgeries and a faster recovery.

Can young adults or non-smokers get oral cancer? 

Oral cancer can affect young adults and non-smokers, not just older tobacco users. HPV-related throat cancers are rising among adults in their 40s and 50s who have never smoked. Because these patients may not see themselves as at risk, they sometimes ignore early warning signs. Routine screenings catch changes regardless of age or habits.