Types of Oral Cancers Your Dentist Screens For

When you go in for a routine dental check-up, you’re usually thinking about clean teeth, gum health, or perhaps a possible cavity. But did you know your dentist is also keeping an eye on something far more serious?

Dental professionals are trained to perform screenings for oral cancer as part of your regular visits. This proactive approach aims to detect issues early, improving the chances of successful treatment.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the mouth or throat. These irregular cells can develop in a variety of locations and often first appear as sores, lumps, or color changes in the affected areas. Oral cancers can be life-threatening if not detected early, which is why routine dental visits play such an important role.

Dentists are uniquely positioned to screen for these cancers because they regularly examine your mouth, tongue, and surrounding tissues. With advanced training and tools, they can identify suspicious areas early, helping to guide you toward additional testing or treatment when necessary.

Types of Oral Cancers Dentists Look For

Oral cancer isn’t as widely discussed as other forms of cancer, but it’s just as important to understand. With over 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone, staying informed is key to ensuring your health. Oral cancers differ in part based on where abnormal cell growth occurs.

Tongue Cancer

It may come as a surprise that most cases of oral cancer are found on the tongue. Tongue cancer generally affects the squamous cells on the surface of the tongue, but it can occur on the underside or at the base of the tongue, sometimes near the throat.

Symptoms of tongue cancer can include persistent red or white patches, non-healing sores, or difficulty moving the tongue or speaking.

Lip Cancer

Lip cancer is another common type of oral cancer. It typically occurs on the lower lip and is more prevalent in individuals with significant sun exposure or those who use tobacco products.

Your dentist may be looking for lumps or ulcerations around the lips, changes in texture or color of the lip tissue, or lesions that bleed or do not heal over time

Gum Cancer

Your gums are another area your dentist inspects closely. Gum cancer can present as swollen, red, or bleeding areas that don’t improve with proper oral hygiene. Because it affects the gums, symptoms of gum cancer can often be similar to symptoms of gum disease like gingivitis or periodontitis, which is why professional screenings are so important. As gum cancer progresses, it can spread to the jaw.

Throat (Oropharyngeal) Cancer

Throat or oropharyngeal cancer is often included in a dentist’s screening, especially in the back of the mouth and near the base of the tongue. This type of cancer is commonly linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Other Oral Cancer

Other oral cancers may be more rare but can occur.

• Buccal mucosa cancer, or cheek cancer, develops inside the lining of the cheeks. This area is usually inspected during a comprehensive dental screening.
• Cancer can also develop on the roof of the mouth, affecting both the hard and soft palates.
• The area under your tongue, known as the floor of the mouth, is another common site for oral cancer. Dentists will examine this area for abnormalities that might otherwise be hard for you to notice on your own.

Get Screened for Oral Cancer Now

Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of routine dental care. Screening for these cancers is quick, painless, and can often be completed during your regular dental check-up.

If your dentist finds something unusual, they may recommend further evaluation, such as a biopsy or imaging tests, to determine whether the issue is benign or cancerous. Early detection makes a significant difference in treatment success rates and long-term outcomes.

Screening for oral cancers is one more reason your twice-per-year dental appointments are so important. If you’ve been putting off a dental visit, now is the time to schedule one. Contact us today.