Oral Cancer Screenings

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof or floor of the mouth, and throat. While it may occur at any age, certain factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, and HPV infection can increase your risk. Because early stages often have no clear symptoms, routine screenings during your dental visits are essential. Screenings allow us to detect abnormal tissues or lesions at an early stage, improve treatment outcomes with timely intervention, provide peace of mind about your oral health, and catch potential issues before they progress.

What to Expect During Your Screening

With early detection, oral cancer has a much higher rate of successful treatment, giving you the best chance to protect both your health and your smile. During your screening, we begin with a careful visual examination of your mouth, lips, and throat, looking for any changes in color, texture, or tissue health. We also gently palpate the tissues in your mouth, jaw, and neck to check for lumps, swelling, or irregularities that may not be visible. When needed, we may use enhanced screening tools to highlight areas of concern that cannot be seen during a standard exam. If anything unusual is found, we will recommend further evaluation or referral to a specialist to ensure you receive timely, thorough care.