Oral cancer screening should be a standard part of every complete oral exam — not an optional extra. At Novus Dentistry in North York, a routine examination includes inspecting not only your teeth and gums but also the soft tissues in and around your mouth. Our dentists are trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer: cancer of the lips, gums, tongue, and inside of the mouth.
During an exam, dentists look for abnormal changes loosely called “lesions.” Many lesions are harmless and can be identified by appearance alone. Others are harder to diagnose and require further steps, such as a biopsy. When oral cancer is found and treated early, the five-year survival rate is high — and the Canadian Cancer Society notes that catching it early through regular screening greatly improves outcomes. That is exactly why an oral cancer screening matters at every visit.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers of the oral cavity, which includes the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Gums (gingiva)
- Lining inside the lips and cheeks (labial and buccal mucosa)
- Floor of the mouth
- Roof of the mouth (palate)
- Area behind the wisdom teeth
Most oral cancers develop on the sides of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the lips.
Common Oral Cancer Risk Factors
- Tobacco use — smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) and smokeless or chewing tobacco. Tobacco, especially when combined with heavy alcohol use, is linked to the majority of oral cancers. The good news: quitting significantly lowers your risk over time, even after years of use.
- Heavy alcohol consumption — particularly alongside smoking. People who both smoke and drink heavily face a substantially higher risk than those who do neither.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection — certain high-risk types, especially HPV-16, are now a leading cause of cancers at the back of the mouth and throat (the oropharynx). These cancers are increasingly seen in younger adults and people who have never smoked. The HPV vaccine can help reduce this risk.
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips — often associated with outdoor work such as construction.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables.
- Age — oral cancer is more common in people over 50, though rates are rising among younger adults.
- Sex — more men than women develop oral cancer, though that gap continues to narrow.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
See your dentist promptly if you notice any of the following:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
- A lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth
- A persistent sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing
- Swelling of the jaw that makes dentures fit poorly or feel uncomfortable
- A change in your voice and/or pain in the ear
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening at Novus Dentistry is quick, painless, and built right into your regular dental checkup. Your dentist visually examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth, along with the back of your throat, looking for red or white patches, sores, or other unusual changes. They will also gently feel the tissues of your mouth, jaw, and neck for lumps or tenderness and check that your lymph nodes feel normal. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes. If anything looks or feels out of the ordinary, your dentist will document it and arrange a follow-up or biopsy if further investigation is needed.
How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
For most adults, an oral cancer screening at every routine checkup — typically every six months — is enough to catch changes early. If you smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, or have other risk factors, your dentist may recommend more frequent monitoring. Because early-stage oral cancer often causes no pain at all, regular screening is one of the most reliable ways to detect it before symptoms ever appear.
Book Your Complete Oral Exam in North York
We like to take our time getting to know you at Novus Dentistry in North York. A thorough initial exam is the first step in our general dentistry care, helping you reach your goals for optimal oral health and a confident smile for life. Your initial exam includes a full examination of your teeth, gums, and facial bones, along with an oral cancer screening. We take digital X-rays and photos for documentation and diagnostic purposes, and we review your medical history in detail so we can deliver your treatment safely and responsibly.
Don’t wait any longer — we’ll give you reasons to smile about. Call Novus Dentistry at (416) 488-7454 or reach us through our contact form to schedule your complete oral exam.
