Can Your Dentist Screen for Oral Cancer?

Your dentist likes to see you every six months. During these visits, they routinely check your mouth and teeth for cavities and gum problems. But your dentist is also your first line of defense against something more serious: oral cancer.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheek, floor of your mouth, hard and soft palate (the front and back of the roof of your mouth), and throat. Men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer, making it the sixth most common cancer among men.

This cancer can become life-threatening if it isn’t discovered and treated early. That’s why many dentists use these routine visits to check for signs of cancer.

“Evaluation of the oral cavity, including the soft tissues, is part of my exam when patients are in the office for a checkup,” says Todd Coy, DMD, Director of Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Dentistry.

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is an important part of each dental checkup, says Dr. Coy. These screenings are comprehensive — and typically start before your physical exam even begins.

First, your dental hygienist will update your medical history with any changes that have occurred since your last visit. They’ll note if you’ve been diagnosed with any new conditions or diseases or are taking any new medications.

The medical history likely will also include questions about your risk factors for oral cancer, which include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. People who smoke and drink alcohol have an even higher risk of oral cancer.

Your hygienist or dentist also will want to know about your current overall health, including any dental concerns.

During the cancer screening, your dentist will examine areas that are both inside and outside your mouth.

“A screening exam should include an extra-oral exam of the head and neck, as well as an intra-oral exam of the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, floor of mouth and gum tissues,” Dr. Coy says.

The dentist is looking for any lumps, sores or irregular tissue changes, including discoloration. If they find anything suspicious, such as a lesion, your dentist may recommend a biopsy or refer you to an oral surgeon.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer

Oral cancer often appears as a growth or sore that doesn’t go away. For example, you might have persistent sores on your face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and don’t heal within two weeks.

Other common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/eroded areas on your lips, gums or other areas inside of your mouth.
• Velvety white, red or speckled white-and-red patches in your mouth.
• Unexplained bleeding in your mouth.
• Unexplained numbness or pain/tenderness in any area of your face, mouth or neck.
• Soreness or a feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
• Chronic sore throat, hoarseness or voice changes.
• Ear pain.
• Changes in your “bite.”
• Dramatic weight loss.

How often should you be screened?

Having regular dental checkups will help you head off problems with your teeth. But because your dentist is also in a good position to catch signs of oral cancer, scheduling dentist appointments every six months is a good routine to follow.

“There are very few downsides to more frequent screening,” notes Dr. Coy.

When to check in with your dentist

A good rule of thumb is to see a dentist about lesions that don’t clear up within two weeks. Dr. Coy advises. “Examples would include red or white patches, ulcers, lumps or other growths.”

Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking as well as any pain, numbness or change in your bite should also prompt a visit with your dentist or a physician right away.

Don’t wait for a symptom to become painful, Dr. Coy says.

“It is important to understand that pain is not a predictable indicator. So don’t assume that because it doesn’t hurt that it isn’t a problem,” he says.

And when you see your dentist, don’t hesitate to share any questions or dental concerns you might have. No matter is too insignificant or unimportant to mention — and speaking up just might save your life.