Oral Cancer Screenings Near You

Oral cancer is the 13th most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to the Canadian Dental Association. It can appear in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. This is why regular dental checkups are so important. During your routine visits at Gulati Family Dentistry, we thoroughly examine your mouth to check for any early warning signs.



While oral cancer is a serious condition, it is relatively rare. Unless you use tobacco products or have a family history of oral cancer, your risk remains low. However, if you have any concerns, it’s always a good idea to mention them at your next appointment. We include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine examination. If we notice any unusual lesions, bumps, or areas of concern, we’ll guide you on how to follow up with your medical provider.


The screening process begins with a review of your dental and medical history, which includes:


  • General health history, including current medications and allergies
  • Lifestyle habits, including tobacco and alcohol use
  • Any symptoms of discomfort or pain in the mouth


If needed, we’ll proceed with a visual and physical examination, where we:


  • Check your head and neck for swelling, tenderness, or uneven areas
  • Feel the lymph nodes in your neck and under the jaw for any irregularities
  • Examine your lips and surrounding tissues for signs of changes
  • Carefully inspect and feel all areas inside the mouth, including high-risk areas such as the sides and underside of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the soft palate

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

It’s important to know that while some symptoms may be linked to less serious conditions, they should still be checked at your next dental visit. Common symptoms include: red or white patches in the mouth, a sore that bleeds or doesn’t heal, lumps or thick spots, pain or numbness in the mouth or lips, and difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms or anything unusual, reach out to our office for an evaluation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Oral cancer screenings involve a full examination of your mouth and surrounding tissues to identify any signs of early cancer or pre-cancer. Early detection can lead to better outcomes.



If oral cancer is detected early, treatment typically involves surgery or radiation. In more advanced cases, treatment may involve a combination of surgery and radiation. In later stages, chemotherapy may be included, with or without surgery, depending on the situation.

Prevention

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to make healthy lifestyle choices. Avoid all tobacco products, limit alcohol intake, eat a nutritious and balanced diet, and protect your lips from too much sun exposure. Reducing your risk starts with daily habits.



There is also a link between some strains of HPV and certain types of oral and throat cancer. Practicing safe behaviors and receiving the HPV vaccine when appropriate may help reduce your risk.