When you visit the dentist for your biannual exam, you typically think about cavities, gum health, and cleanings. However, your dentist also examines the mouth and surrounding tissues for changes that could indicate other oral health concerns, including oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings are generally quick, painless, and easily incorporated into a routine dental visit.
So what exactly is your dentist looking for during an oral cancer screening, and why does it matter?
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer screenings involve examining the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and other oral tissues for unusual changes. More specifically, dentists look for red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, lumps, swelling, thickened tissue, and other abnormalities.
Changes in the Soft Tissues of Your Mouth
Your dentist may notice white or red patches, including areas with mixed coloration; sores or ulcers that aren’t healing; unusual lumps, bumps, or thickened tissue; or changes in the texture or appearance of the gums, cheeks, lips, or palate.
Changes to Your Tongue and the Floor of Your Mouth
These areas deserve careful attention, even when you haven’t noticed symptoms, because early signs of oral cancer can develop in these less visible areas without causing pain or noticeable discomfort.
Unusual Lumps or Swelling Around the Jaw and Neck
Your dentist may also gently feel the jaw, neck, and surrounding areas for unusual swelling, lumps or lumps, as well as enlarged lymph nodes. These findings can have many causes and do not automatically indicate cancer.
Your dentist is trained to recognize changes that may warrant further evaluation. While screenings are intended to identify potential concerns, they do not provide a definitive cancer diagnosis. A suspicious finding usually requires further examination or a biopsy to determine its cause.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect anyone, although certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly in relation to oropharyngeal cancers, or cancers that develop in the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat located just behind the mouth
- Prolonged sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer
- Increasing age and a personal history of oral cancer
Even patients without traditional risk factors can still develop oral cancer, making awareness and regular dental visits important. In between your biannual exams, you should be aware of potential warning signs, such as:
- Persistent red or white patches
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickened area in the mouth or neck
- Unexplained bleeding or persistent mouth pain
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or feeling like something is caught in your throat
- Numbness or other unexplained changes in the mouth
While many of these symptoms can be caused by conditions unrelated to cancer, it’s always important to ask your dentist to evaluate any persistent or unexplained concerns.
Your Oral Health Is About More Than Your Smile
Comprehensive dental care goes beyond keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Routine dental visits also provide an opportunity to evaluate your overall oral health, identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed, and address potential concerns before they become more serious. While oral cancer screenings are typically quick and straightforward, they are another important way your dental team can help you stay proactive about your health.
At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we’re committed to providing thorough, personalized care that supports your oral health at every stage of life. From routine examinations and preventive screenings to answering your questions and addressing concerns, our team is here to help you feel informed and confident about your dental health.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and take an important step toward maintaining your oral health!