Oral Cancer Screenings
Check for Unusual Changes With Routine Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Cancer Screening During Your Dental Visit
Oral cancer screenings are used to look for unusual changes in the mouth and surrounding tissues that may require further assessment. These changes can affect areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, gums, and throat, which is why routine dental examinations involve more than checking only the teeth.
At Deer Lake Dental, our dentists can examine the soft tissues of your mouth and review relevant health history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Check for Unusual Changes in Oral Tissues
Identify Areas That Need Further Assessment
Review Symptoms and Relevant Risk Factors
Support Earlier Evaluation of Suspicious Changes
Signs and Symptoms That Should Be Checked
Many changes in the mouth are caused by conditions other than cancer, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should still be evaluated. An oral cancer screening can help identify areas that may need closer attention, especially when a sore, lump, patch, or other change does not resolve as expected.
Common warning signs can include a mouth sore that does not heal, unexplained red or white patches, a lump or thickened area, persistent pain or numbness, and ongoing difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the tongue or jaw. If you notice any unusual or persistent changes in your mouth, contact Deer Lake Dental to schedule an evaluation with our dental team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about oral cancer screenings and when changes in your mouth should be examined.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
Your dentist visually examines the tissues inside and around your mouth for unusual sores, patches, swelling, lumps, or other changes. Depending on your symptoms and health history, the examination may also include feeling areas of the mouth, jaw, and neck. Any concerning findings can then be discussed and evaluated further.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening may be included as part of routine dental examinations, but how often it is needed can depend on your age, health history, symptoms, tobacco and alcohol use, and other risk factors. Your dentist can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your individual oral health and overall risk profile.
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?
Possible warning signs include a sore that does not heal, red or white patches, unexplained lumps or thickened tissue, persistent pain or numbness, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the tongue or jaw. These symptoms can have many other causes, but persistent or unexplained changes should still be examined.
Who has a higher risk of developing oral cancer?
Risk can be influenced by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, age, sun exposure affecting the lips, and certain HPV infections. Oral cancer can still occur in people without obvious risk factors. Reviewing your health and lifestyle history helps your dentist understand which factors may be relevant during an oral cancer screening.
Does a mouth sore always mean oral cancer?
No. Mouth sores are common and can develop from irritation, injury, infection, or other non-cancerous causes. However, a sore that does not heal, repeatedly bleeds, or continues to change should be assessed. Your dentist can examine the area and determine whether monitoring or additional evaluation is recommended.
