When you think about going to the dentist, you might think about cleanings, cavities and making sure your teeth are in good shape. But you may be surprised to know that routine dental visits are about more than just your teeth.
Your dental team also looks at your gums, tongue, cheeks and other areas of your mouth for changes that may need a closer look, including an oral cancer screening. The screening is generally quick, straightforward and can be a routine part of your dental exam. But what exactly happens during an oral cancer screening, and what is your dentist looking for?
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is an examination of your mouth and surrounding areas to look for unusual changes in the tissues.
Your dentist may look at your:
- Lips
- Gums
- Cheeks
- Tongue
- Floor and roof of your mouth
- Jaw and neck
Your dentist may also gently feel areas of your mouth, jaw and neck to check for lumps, swelling or other changes.
An oral cancer screening may be part of your routine dental exam, and having a screening doesn’t mean your dentist thinks you have cancer. It’s just another way to keep an eye on your oral health and identify anything that may need additional attention.
What are they looking for?
Most changes in your mouth aren’t necessarily cancer, but some changes are worth having checked, especially if they don’t go away.
Some things your dentist might look for are:
- Sores or irritation that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches
- A lump or thickening area
- Unexplained bleeding or pain
- Numbness in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Changes in speech
- Persistent feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Swelling or lumps in the neck
It is recommended to have certain potential symptoms looked at by your dentist when they last longer than two weeks, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Don’t panic! That doesn’t automatically mean a sore that’s been around for a couple of weeks is something serious. It just means it’s a good idea to have it looked at rather than continuing to wait and see what happens.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase a person’s risk.
Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors for cancers of the oral cavity and throat. Alcohol consumption can also increase risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.
Human papillomavirus, better known as HPV, is another factor to be aware of. Certain HPV types, including HPV-16, are strongly linked to cancers of the oropharynx, which includes areas toward the back of the throat.
Age and history of head and neck cancer can also affect your individual risk.
What is VELscope®?
If you’ve had an oral cancer screening done with us, you may have heard of VELscope®.
Along with traditional visual and physical examinations, we offer VELscope® oral cancer screenings. The technology uses fluorescence to help your dental professional see abnormalities in the tissues of the lips, mouth and upper throat. It’s important to remember that seeing an abnormality doesn’t mean you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
Your dentist may recommend monitoring an area that looks concerning by taking another look later or pursuing additional testing. A tissue biopsy is used to establish a definitive diagnosis.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
For most, an oral cancer screening is simple and noninvasive. Your dentist will look inside your mouth and gently feel areas around your mouth, jaw and neck. Our VELscope® examination is described as painless and takes about two minutes with no rinses or stains required. If something unusual is noticed, your dentist will explain what they found and what the next steps may be.
Why are regular dental visits important?
It’s easy to think of a professional dental cleaning as simply a way to get rid of plaque and tartar, but they also give your dental team the chance to look at your overall oral health, too. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums and compare what they see with previous visits and examine areas that may be difficult for you to see at home.
It’s also a great opportunity to mention anything new since your last visit. Have a sore that won’t go away? Noticed a strange patch? Experiencing persistent discomfort or a change in swallowing?
Even if it doesn’t involve your teeth, tell your dentist about it.
Pay attention between dental visits
While your dentist plays an important role in monitoring your oral health, you’re the person who knows what feels normal in your mouth. If you notice a sore, patch, lump or other abnormalities that don’t go away, don’t wait until your next cleaning to mention it.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, request an appointment with us and make your oral health a priority.
Frequently asked questions about oral cancer screenings
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Your dentist will recommend how often you should be screened based on your oral health, medical history and individual risk factors.
Does an oral cancer screening diagnose cancer?
No, an oral cancer screening looks for unusual areas or changes that may require further evaluation. Additional testing may be recommended if your dentist finds something concerning, as a biopsy is used to establish a definitive diagnosis.
What symptoms should I tell my dentist about?
Tell your dentist about changes that don’t go away, such as a persistent sore, red or white patches, lumps, unexplained bleeding, numbness, pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing. If a concerning change lasts more than two weeks, it should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional.
Who is at higher risk for oral cancer?
Certain factors can increase the risk of oral cancer, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, certain types of HPV, age and history of head and neck cancer. Talk to your dentist about your individual risk and if additional monitoring is appropriate.
