What We Look for During Oral Cancer Screenings
Posted on 7/15/2025 by Dr. Darren Huddleston |
 Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining good oral health. But did you know that these checkups can also help detect oral cancer in its early stages? Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of comprehensive oral care, and at our practice, we take them very seriously.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth. It can also develop in the throat and tonsils. While it's not as common as other types of cancer, oral cancer can be aggressive and difficult to treat, especially if it's not caught early.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Early detection is key to successful treatment of oral cancer. When oral cancer is found early, it's much easier to treat and the chances of survival are much higher. That's why oral cancer screenings are so important. They allow us to identify any potential signs of cancer early on, when treatment is most effective.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless procedure that is performed during your regular dental checkup. We will carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat, looking for any abnormalities. We will also feel your neck for any swollen lymph nodes.
Here are some specific things we look for during an oral cancer screening:
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Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or other areas of the mouth. |
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Sores that don't heal within two weeks. |
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Lumps or bumps in the mouth or neck. |
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Changes in the way your teeth fit together. |
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Numbness or pain in the mouth. |
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Difficulty swallowing or speaking. |
If we find any suspicious areas, we may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy. A biopsy is a simple procedure that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area so it can be examined under a microscope.
How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults over the age of 20 have an oral cancer screening every three years. However, if you are at increased risk for oral cancer, you may need to be screened more often. Some risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Oral Cancer?
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:
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Don't use tobacco products. Tobacco use is the leading cause of oral cancer. |
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Limit your alcohol intake. Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of oral cancer. |
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Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. |
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Protect your lips from the sun. Sun exposure can increase your risk of lip cancer. |
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See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Oral cancer screenings are an important part of these visits. |
Taking Care of Your Oral Health
By taking care of your oral health and getting regular oral cancer screenings, you can help protect yourself from this potentially deadly disease. If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please don't hesitate to ask your dentist. We are here to help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
Taking care of your oral health is important for your overall well-being. In addition to getting regular dental checkups and cleanings, there are several things you can do at home to keep your mouth healthy. These include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, please don't hesitate to contact our office. We are always happy to answer your questions and help you keep your smile healthy.
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