Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and other tissues in and around the mouth and throat. Regular dental examinations provide an opportunity to look for unusual changes and identify potential concerns as early as possible.

Understanding the risk factors and warning signs of oral cancer can also help you recognize changes that should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the tissues of the mouth. It can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, or other areas of the oral cavity.

Early oral cancer may not cause obvious symptoms, which is why regular examinations are an important part of maintaining your oral health.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth and surrounding tissues to look for abnormalities that may require further investigation.

During an examination, your dental professional may look at and feel areas of your mouth and neck for unusual changes, lumps, sores, or other signs that need to be assessed.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is generally incorporated into a routine dental examination. Your dental professional may examine:

• The lips
• The inside of the cheeks
• The gums
• The tongue
• The floor of the mouth
• The roof of the mouth
• The back of the mouth and throat area
• The neck and jaw area

Your dental professional may also gently feel the tissues around your jaw and neck to check for unusual swelling or lumps.

Why Are Regular Screenings Important?

Some oral cancers may not cause pain or noticeable symptoms during their early stages. Regular dental visits allow your dental team to monitor your mouth over time and identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

If an unusual area is found, your dentist can recommend appropriate follow-up or refer you to another healthcare professional for further evaluation when necessary.

Common Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Several factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop cancer, but understanding them can help you make informed decisions about your health.

• Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Combined tobacco and alcohol use
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Significant sun exposure, particularly for lip cancer
• A previous history of oral cancer
• Some other medical and lifestyle factors

Tobacco & Oral Cancer

Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco, and other tobacco products can expose the tissues of the mouth to harmful substances.

Stopping tobacco use can reduce your risk and provide benefits for your oral and overall health.

Alcohol & Oral Cancer

Regular heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral cancer. The combination of alcohol and tobacco use can increase the risk even further.

If you drink alcohol, limiting your consumption can be an important part of reducing your overall health risks.

HPV & Oral Cancer

Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with cancers affecting areas of the mouth and throat.

HPV is common and can be transmitted through close personal contact. Discuss HPV prevention and vaccination with your physician or other healthcare professional to determine what may be appropriate for you or your family.

Sun Exposure & Lip Cancer

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of developing cancer of the lips.

Using appropriate sun protection, including lip products with sun protection, wearing a hat, and limiting prolonged direct sun exposure can help protect your lips.

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Many changes in the mouth are not cancerous, but persistent or unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Possible warning signs can include:

• A sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal
• A persistent white or red patch
• A lump or thickened area
• Unexplained bleeding
• Persistent mouth or throat pain
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
• Numbness or unusual sensation in the mouth or lip
• A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Unexplained changes in the way dentures fit
• A persistent lump in the neck

When Should You Have a Change Checked?

If you notice an unusual sore, lump, patch, or other change in your mouth that persists for more than a couple of weeks, it should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional.

Do not wait for a change to become painful before seeking advice. Early evaluation can help determine whether the area is harmless or requires further investigation.

Oral Cancer Screening Is Not a Diagnosis

An oral cancer screening is designed to identify areas that may require additional investigation. It cannot by itself diagnose cancer.

If your dentist notices an area of concern, you may be referred for additional testing or evaluation. This may include an examination by a specialist or a biopsy, depending on the circumstances.

Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?

Not all cases of oral cancer can be prevented, but reducing known risk factors can lower your risk.

• Avoid tobacco products.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Discuss HPV vaccination with your healthcare provider.
• Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Attend regular dental examinations.
• Report persistent or unusual changes in your mouth.

Regular Dental Visits & Oral Cancer Screening

Regular dental examinations are about more than checking for cavities. Your dental team also evaluates your gums, soft tissues, bite, and other areas of your mouth.

Including an oral cancer screening as part of routine dental care provides another opportunity to identify unusual changes and recommend further evaluation when appropriate.

Protect Your Oral Health

Being aware of the risk factors and warning signs of oral cancer can help you take action when something does not seem normal.

If you notice a persistent sore, lump, patch, unexplained bleeding, or another unusual change in your mouth, contact Scarborough Village Dental Care for an assessment. Regular dental examinations can also help monitor your oral health and identify potential concerns early.