Can Your Dentist Screen You for Oral Cancer?

Yes, your dentist can screen you for oral cancer. In fact, an oral cancer screening is a vital part of each dental checkup.

Dentists have the knowledge and tools to detect early signs of oral cancer and can help discuss next steps.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a crucial component of a routine dental exam allowing dentists to identify abnormal cells or changes in your mouth, helping to detect irregularities that may be precursors to oral cancer. Detecting cancer at its earliest stages helps dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

What a Dentist Looks for During an Oral Cancer Screening

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will visually examine your oral cavity, including your tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. They will also feel your neck and jaw for unusual lumps or swelling.

The dentist may use additional tests or advanced tools like VELscope® technology to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells.

Tests for Oral Cancer

If your dentist discovers any suspicious areas during the screening, they may recommend further tests to explore an oral cancer diagnosis.

Some of these tests include:

• Barium Swallow: A barium swallow test can reveal irregularities in the larynx, pharynx, mouth, and surrounding areas.
• Endoscopy: Although most areas of the nose and mouth can be examined without an instrument, doctors may perform an endoscopy to view hard-to-see areas, such as the larynx and behind the nose.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, including CT scans, MRI scans, and PET/CT scans, play a crucial role in assisting with diagnosing oral cancer, assessing its spread, and developing effective treatment plans.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissues or cells is taken for a biopsy before treatment begins. A biopsy is the only way to confirm an oral cancer diagnosis. 

Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can present itself in various ways. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it allows for more treatment options and a better chance of successful recovery.

Some common signs and symptoms of oral cancer can include:

• Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal
• Ongoing mouth pain
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining
• A sore throat or the constant feeling of something caught in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Trouble moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness in the tongue or any other areas of the mouth
• Jaw swelling causing dentures to hurt or fit poorly
• Loosening of teeth
• Pain in teeth or jaw
• Changes in voice
• A lump in the neck
• Weight loss
• Persistent bad breath

How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?

Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve a patient’s chances of successful treatment, so regular oral cancer screenings that thoroughly examine the mouth are recommended.

Adults over 20 should undergo a screening every 3 years, while those over 40 should have annual screenings. Individuals with risk factors, such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, or a family history of cancer, should also request an annual oral cancer screening.

Factors Increasing the Risk of Oral Cancer

Several factors can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including:

• Tobacco use: All forms of tobacco, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, bidis, and smokeless tobacco, are linked to oral cancer. The risk increases with the duration and amount of tobacco use, especially when combined with alcohol consumption.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some types of HPV, spread through sexual contact, can infect the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of oral cancer.
• Previous cancer: Individuals who have had oral cancer, or other types, are at a higher risk of relapse or developing other incidents of cancerous concern.
• Sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure, especially for fair-skinned individuals and those working outdoors, increases the risk of lip cancer.
• Weakened immune system: A compromised immune system can increase the risk of oral cancer, particularly lip cancer.
• Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD): Individuals who have undergone stem cell transplants and developed GVHD are more prone to oral cancer.
• Lichen planus: This chronic condition, which causes rashes or sores on the skin and inside the mouth, can increase the risk of oral cancer when mouth ulcers are present for a long time.
• Poor oral health: Poor oral hygiene and infrequent dental visits have been associated with a higher risk of oral cancer.
• Inherited conditions: Genetic conditions like Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita can increase the risk of developing precancerous changes in the mouth and oral cancer at an earlier age.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings & Prevention

Oral cancer screenings, as with any other forms of cancer screenings, play a crucial role in early detection of severe illness and dramatically increase the odds of receiving successful treatment. Although screenings can be extremely helpful, it is always a better choice to pay close attention to adopting preventative habits in your daily routine to minimize the risk of cancer development.  Unprotected intimate encounters, excessive exposure to the sun or use of harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol increase our chances of developing oral cancer.

At Living Wellness Dental Dorchester, we’re committed to providing comprehensive dental care, including oral cancer screenings, for our clients in the Calgary area.

Our dentists use advanced tools and screening devices like VELscope® technology to monitor the health of your smile and help with the early detection of oral cancer. Awareness of your physical health is a much better way to experience elevated wellness.

Schedule your next dental checkup today to stay on top of your oral health.

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