Oral Cancer Screenings by Local Dentist

Oral cancer refers to abnormal cell growth that can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and throat. While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain lifestyle habits and health conditions can increase the risk.

Common risk factors include:

• Tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Prolonged sun exposure, especially on the lips
• Family history of cancer
• Poor diet or weakened immune system

Because early stages often show no pain or visible symptoms, routine screenings are essential for detecting issues as early as possible.

Oral cancer can develop silently, which makes early detection one of the most important aspects of preventive dental care. At Romine Family Dental, we include oral cancer evaluations as part of your routine checkups to identify changes or warning signs before they become serious.

You should schedule an examination if you notice any of the following:

• Sores in the mouth or on the lips that do not heal
• Red or white patches on the tongue or oral tissues
• A lump or thickened area in the cheek or neck
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
• Persistent numbness or unexplained mouth pain
• Voice changes or a sore throat that does not resolve
• Unexplained bleeding or sudden weight loss

These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but they should be evaluated promptly by a dental professional.

An oral cancer screening is a simple part of your routine dental visit. At Romine Family Dental, we use a systematic method to ensure a thorough evaluation.

Visual Examination

We review your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth for discoloration, sores, swelling, or unusual patches.

Physical Palpation

We gently check your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for lumps, firmness, or irregularities beneath the surface.

Tissue Evaluation

If needed, enhanced lighting or special rinses may be used to help detect subtle tissue changes not easily visible under standard lighting.

If anything appears concerning, we discuss next steps such as monitoring, further imaging, or referral to a specialist for a biopsy.

Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early. That is why we recommend an oral cancer screening at least once a year as part of your regular dental visit, even if you do not have symptoms or known risk factors. Routine screenings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your long-term health.