April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, giving us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the prevention and treatment of this dangerous disease that strikes thousands of Canadians every year.
The question for many patients is how to check for signs of oral cancer. In most cases, your dentist will be one of the first healthcare professionals to detect it with a screening process so quick and easy that you might not even know it is happening!
In this blog, we discuss what an oral cancer screening involves, who may be at risk of oral cancer, the early signs to watch for, and how to help prevent it.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening at the dentist’s office is a careful visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. Dentists perform this screening during your regular dental exam to look for any unusual changes that could indicate early signs of oral cancer.
The screening is fast, comfortable, and non-invasive. No additional preparation on your part is required. Your dentist simply examines the soft tissues of your mouth and gently feels certain areas around your jaw and neck.
Although the process only takes a few minutes, it plays an important role in detecting changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is seamlessly incorporated into your regular dental exam.
Your dentist begins by visually examining the inside of your mouth, including the roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth, the tongue, the inner cheeks, the gums, and the lips.
The tongue is often examined from several angles, including the top, sides, and underside, because certain oral cancer warning signs can appear in areas that are not immediately visible.
To see the back of the throat clearly, your dentist may ask you to say “ahh” or extend your tongue slightly. This allows them to observe tissues at the back of the mouth and throat.
Next, your dentist gently feels along the jawline, beneath the chin, and along the sides of the neck. This step allows them to check for lumps, swelling, or enlarged lymph nodes that might signal unusual tissue changes.
If your dentist notices an area that appears different, it does not automatically mean cancer is present. In fact, most findings during an oral cancer screening turn out to be benign conditions such as a minor irritation, canker sores, or inflammation. In some cases, your dentist may recommend monitoring the area and rechecking it during your next visit. If a spot persists or raises concern, a referral to a specialist may be suggested for further evaluation.
Early Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding the early signs of oral cancer can help patients recognize when something in their mouth requires attention. Here are some of the more common signs to watch for:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
- White or dark red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Lumps or thickened areas anywhere in the mouth or throat
- Persistent numbness or tenderness in the lips, face, or oral tissues
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- A persistent sensation that something is caught in the throat
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Changes in the voice
- Ongoing hoarseness
- A lingering earache on one side
- Swelling or lumps in the neck
Patients can perform a simple self-check at home once per month for these signs. With good lighting and a mirror, examine the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Feel along the jaw and neck for any lumps or tenderness. If anything appears unusual, contacting your dentist for an evaluation is always the safest next step.
It is important to know that these symptoms often have non-cancerous explanations. However, if any of these signs persist, it is wise to schedule a dental appointment so your dentist can evaluate the area.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Several well-established oral cancer risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Here are some of the most common:
Tobacco use
This remains one of the most significant contributors. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco all expose oral tissues to harmful chemicals that can damage cells. Even newer products such as vapes can increase your risk of contracting the disease.
Alcohol consumption
Consuming alcohol can also play a role in the onset of oral cancer. The risk increases as alcohol intake rises, and increases significantly if you combine alcohol with tobacco use.
HPV
Certain strains of Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV16, have been linked to a growing number of cancers in the back of the throat and surrounding areas.
Sun exposure
Long periods of unprotected sun exposure can increase the likelihood of lip cancer, particularly for individuals who spend considerable time outdoors without wearing lip balm.
Aging
The risk of oral cancer increases as people get older, with the highest rates occurring in individuals over the age of 45.
Interestingly, it has been reported that approximately 20 – 35 percent of oral cancer cases occur in individuals who neither smoke nor drink heavily. This is why routine oral cancer screenings at your dentist’s office are recommended for everyone, not only those with obvious risk factors.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer
Although some risk factors cannot be controlled, several lifestyle choices can reduce the likelihood of developing oral cancer:
- Limiting tobacco use and alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Protecting the lips with lip balm containing sun protection factor
- Regular oral hygiene habits that include brushing twice a day and flossing daily
- Maintaining regular dental appointments to allow your dentist to monitor changes to your oral tissue over time
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we welcome new patients for routine examinations or to help solve specific issues. We conduct safe, non-invasive oral cancer screenings at every appointment and will provide personalized recommendations on how to move forward if we detect anything unusual.
Give us a call anytime – we are here to help!
Get safe, comfortable oral cancer screenings from our Dentists at Yonge and Eglinton
Contact Yonge Eglinton Dental when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and neck that your dentist performs during a routine dental checkup. The goal is to identify unusual patches, sores, lumps, or tissue changes that could represent early signs of oral cancer.
Is an oral cancer screening uncomfortable?
No. The screening is completely comfortable. Your dentist simply looks at and gently feels the tissues in and around your mouth. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Most patients receive an oral cancer screening during every routine dental exam, which usually occurs every six months. If you have certain risk factors, your dentist may monitor specific areas more closely.
I do not smoke or drink alcohol. Do I still need screening?
Yes. Approximately 20 – 35 percent of oral cancers occur in individuals who do not smoke or drink heavily. Other factors such as HPV, age, and sun exposure can also influence risk.
What happens if my dentist finds something unusual?
Most findings during a screening are benign. Your dentist may monitor the area to see if it resolves naturally. If the area persists or appears concerning, you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
Can mouth sores be a sign of oral cancer?
Most mouth sores are harmless and heal quickly. However, a sore that does not heal should be examined by a dentist.
Can I check for oral cancer at home?
Yes. A monthly self-examination can help you notice changes in your mouth. However, self-checks do not replace professional screenings, since dentists are trained to detect subtle signs that patients might overlook.
