Oral cancer is one of the most serious conditions affecting the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat—and early detection can be lifesaving. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2025 in the United States, there will be about 59,660 new cases of cancers of the oral cavity or oropharynx, and approximately 12,770 deaths from these diseases. The good news: early screening dramatically increases survival rates.
At Arbor Family Dental, we believe prevention starts with awareness. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and importance of regular screenings empowers you to protect your overall health—not just your smile.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters?
Oral cancer can develop silently. In many cases, patients do not feel pain until the disease has already progressed. That’s why routine dental screenings are essential. Dentists are trained to identify early abnormalities long before symptoms become noticeable.
Early-stage oral cancer has a much higher treatment success rate, making regular screenings one of the most effective preventive steps you can take.
Built-In Risk Factors
Some risk factors cannot be changed, but knowing them helps you stay proactive:
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Age: Most cases occur in adults over 45.
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Gender: Men have about twice the risk as women.
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Genetic predisposition: Family history can increase susceptibility.
If you fall into any of these categories, consistent dental checkups become even more important.
Risk Factors You Can Control
Certain lifestyle habits significantly increase the likelihood of oral cancer. Reducing or eliminating these risks can make a dramatic difference:
1. Tobacco Use (Cigarettes, Cigars, Chewing Tobacco, Vaping)
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Contributes to nearly 85% of oral cancer cases
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Damages oral tissue and increases the probability of pre-cancerous changes
2. Alcohol Consumption
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Heavy and frequent drinking raises risk significantly
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Combining alcohol and tobacco multiplies the danger
3. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
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Certain strains, especially HPV-16, are linked to oropharyngeal cancer
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Vaccination can help reduce risk
4. Excessive Sun Exposure
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Increases the chance of lip cancer
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Using lip balms with SPF provides easy protection
5. Poor Oral Hygiene
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Chronic inflammation and infection may elevate cancer risk
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Consistent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings keep tissues healthy
Common Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear in many forms. Contact your dentist promptly if you notice:
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Sores on the lips or mouth that do not heal
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Lumps or thickened areas in the cheek, lip, throat, or neck
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Numbness in the tongue or mouth
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Red or white patches inside the mouth
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Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
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The sensation of something stuck in the throat
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Persistent hoarseness
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Chronic bad breath
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Unexplained ear pain
Even subtle changes can be meaningful, which is why professional evaluation is so critical.
How do Dentists Detect Oral Cancer Early?
During your routine exam, your dentist will:
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Visually examine the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat
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Check for lumps by gently palpating the jaw, neck, and oral tissues
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Evaluate any suspicious lesions or discoloration
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Recommend additional diagnostic tests if needed
This quick, painless process takes only a few minutes but can make a life-saving difference.
Benefits of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
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Early diagnosis and improved treatment success
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Faster, less invasive treatment options
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Ability to monitor high-risk patients closely
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Greater peace of mind
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Enhanced overall health and longevity
Your routine dental visit is about much more than clean teeth—it’s an opportunity to protect your long-term health.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
At Arbor Family Dental, we are committed to protecting your health through comprehensive preventive care. If it’s been a while since your last checkup or you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms schedule your screening today. Early detection saves lives.
FAQ’s
1. What are 5 signs of oral cancer?
Five common signs of oral cancer that you should never ignore include:
1. A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
2. Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks
3. Lumps, thickened areas, or unusual growths in the mouth or neck
4. Persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in the mouth or tongue
5. Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
2. Can mouth cancer be detected by a blood test?
Currently, there is no blood test that can diagnose oral cancer. Dentists and physicians detect oral cancer through a clinical examination, which includes visually inspecting the mouth and feeling for abnormal lumps or tissue changes.
If something suspicious is found, the most accurate way to confirm oral cancer is a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is analyzed under a microscope. Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans may also be used to determine the extent of the disease.
3. How do I check if I have oral cancer?
You can perform a simple self-check at home by looking for unusual changes in your mouth, including:
Sores that don’t heal
Red or white patches
Lumps or thickened areas
Persistent pain or numbness
Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
4. Can oral cancer be prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending regular dental checkups significantly lowers your risk.
5. Is oral cancer screening painful?
No. The screening is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless. Your dentist simply examines your mouth and surrounding tissues for abnormalities.
