Oral Cancer Screenings: What Happens and Why They Matter

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to talk about a part of your dental visit you may not even notice. Every routine exam at Zen Family Dental includes a check for signs of oral cancer. It takes a few minutes, and it's one of the most valuable things we do.

Why early detection matters

Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the floor and roof of the mouth, and the throat. In its early stages it often causes no pain, which is exactly why it's easy to miss. Found early, it's far more treatable. Found late, treatment is more involved and outcomes are worse.

Your dentist sees the inside of your mouth more closely and more often than almost anyone else, so routine checkups are a natural place to catch changes early.

What happens during a screening

A screening is quick and requires no special preparation. During your exam we:

• Look at your lips, gums, tongue (including the sides and underside), cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth
• Check for patches, sores, lumps or color changes
• Gently feel your jaw, neck and under your chin for lumps or swollen areas
• Ask about any changes you've noticed, such as a sore that won't heal or trouble swallowing

If we see something that needs a closer look, we'll explain what we found, often show you on an intraoral camera image, and talk through next steps. Most findings turn out to be harmless, such as a cheek bite or irritation from a rough edge. When something does need further evaluation, we refer you to the right specialist.

Who is at higher risk

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some factors raise the risk:

• Tobacco in any form: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff
• Heavy alcohol use, especially combined with tobacco
• HPV infection, which is linked to many cancers at the back of the throat
• Sun exposure to the lips over many years
• Age, with risk rising over time

If any of these apply to you, regular screenings matter even more. If you'd like support quitting tobacco, ask us; we're glad to point you to resources.

Signs to watch for between visits

You don't need to wait for your next checkup if you notice a change. Call your dentist if any of these last more than two weeks:

• A sore or ulcer in your mouth that doesn't heal
• A white or red patch on your gums, tongue or cheek
• A lump or thickening in your cheek or neck
• Persistent hoarseness, sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
• Numbness in your tongue or another part of your mouth

Most of these turn out to be minor. Getting them checked is how you find out, and peace of mind is worth a short visit.

How to lower your risk

• Avoid tobacco in all forms, and limit alcohol.
• Use a lip balm with SPF when you're outdoors.
• Ask your doctor whether the HPV vaccine is right for you or your children.
• Keep up with regular dental checkups so changes are spotted early.

Good everyday habits, the same ones that protect your teeth and gums, support the health of your whole mouth. Our general and preventive dentistry page explains what's included in a routine visit.

Make screening part of your routine

If it's been more than six months since your last checkup, now is a good time to come in. Oral cancer screening is included in every exam at Zen Family Dental in Fairfax. Request an appointment online or call (703) 385-2772. We're open Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.