When you think of going to the dentist, your first thoughts probably involve cleanings, cavities, or maybe whitening treatments. But did you know that your dentist is also on the front lines of detecting oral cancer? An oral cancer screening is a quick, non-invasive exam that could literally save your life.
Oral cancer screenings are part of a proactive approach to identifying signs of cancer in the mouth and surrounding areas — including the lips, tongue, throat, and cheeks. Like many forms of cancer, early detection is key to successful treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what oral cancer screenings involve, who needs them, and why they’re so important.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palates, sinuses, and throat. It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware they have oral cancer until it’s progressed to a more serious stage.
According to the American Cancer Society, tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. These numbers highlight the importance of regular dental visits that include screening for warning signs.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
The great news is that an oral cancer screening is quick and painless — often completed in just a few minutes as part of your routine dental exam.
Here’s what your dentist typically checks during a screening:
- Visual Examination – Your dentist will inspect your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. They’re looking for unusual spots, sores, discolorations, or patches that look red, white, or speckled.
- Physical Examination – Your dentist may also gently feel around your jaw, neck, and under your chin to check for lumps, swelling, or other irregularities.
- Special Tools (if needed) – Some dentists use special lights, dyes, or devices to highlight suspicious areas that may not be visible to the naked eye.
If your dentist notices anything unusual, they may ask you to return in a couple of weeks for a follow-up, or they might refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and a possible biopsy.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The truth is, everyone can benefit from oral cancer screenings, especially since early symptoms are often subtle or mistaken for minor issues. However, certain factors increase your risk:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Family history of cancer
- Excessive sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Age (risk increases after 40)
- Poor oral hygiene and diet
If you fall into any of these categories, regular screenings are even more important.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer can be aggressive, but catching it early dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment. Screenings help:
- Identify cancer or precancerous conditions early
- Monitor changes in oral tissues over time
- Provide peace of mind if everything looks normal
Because screenings are simple and included in most dental checkups, there’s no reason to skip them. Prevention and early detection are always better than late-stage treatment.
What Are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?
Even between dental visits, it’s good to be aware of symptoms that could indicate a problem. Contact your dentist or doctor if you notice:
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A lump or thickening in your mouth or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Jaw swelling or pain
A Very Important Part of Your Dental Visit
An oral cancer screening may be one of the simplest — yet most important — parts of your dental visit. It only takes a few minutes, but it can help catch a potentially life-threatening condition early when it’s most treatable.
So the next time you go in for a cleaning or checkup, ask your dentist about oral cancer screening. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in your long-term health.
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