How Oral Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives: What You Should Know

Many people don’t think of going to the dentist as a way to detect cancer. People assume dentists only treat teeth and gums, and that doctors treat the rest of the body. And while that is generally true, it’s also true that dentists can indeed help identify risk factors for certain types of cancer through an oral cancer screening.

What type of cancer are we talking about? Oral cancer. And sadly, an estimated 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with either oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer this year alone. But here’s the thing—at each professional dental cleaning, your family dentist near Barrington will conduct an oral cancer screening. Why? Early detection greatly improves outcomes, and can even save your life.

What happens during an oral cancer screening?

Think back to your last time in the dental chair. Toward the end of the exam, do you recall your dentist asking you to stick out your tongue and move it side to side? How about when they felt along your neckline and asked you to open and close your mouth? While some of this might have been to help identify signs of TMJ, your dentist was also looking for early indicators of oral cancer.

It’s quite possible that you never knew what your dentist was doing during this part of the exam. But trust us, it’s a vital component and a necessity for your health. That said, an oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and typically takes less than a few minutes. At your next appointment, notice how your dentist examines all areas of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat. This is all part of a routine oral cancer screening.

Your dentist may also gently press along your jawline, under your tongue, and around your neck to feel for any swelling or irregularities that aren’t visible to an untrained eye. These subtle checks help identify potential warning signs long before you might notice any symptoms yourself. If anything suspicious is found, your dentist will discuss the next steps with you, which might include further examination or a referral to a specialist.

Why do regular oral cancer screenings matter?

To understand the significance of screenings, let’s talk about some oral cancer statistics. Since the mid-2000s, oral cancer incidence rates have increased by about 1% per year, largely due to a rise in cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The average age of diagnosis is 64, but these cancers are not limited to older adults—just over 20% of cases occur in people younger than 55. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer is approximately one in 59 for men and one in 139 for women.

Even more concerning is that the death rate for cancers of the mouth and throat has risen by 0.7% per year from 2009 through 2022, following decades of decline. Most cases develop in the tongue, tonsils, and oropharynx, but they can also affect the gums and floor of the mouth. Regular screenings give your dentist a chance to catch these changes early, improving the likelihood of successful treatment.

Who should get screened for oral cancer and how often?

Most dentists, including your family dentist near Barrington, will conduct an oral cancer screening at your professional dental cleaning every six months. This is just one of the many benefits of having a dental home. Your dentist understands that screenings are recommended for adults of all ages.

However, some oral cancer risk factors may indicate you should be screened more often.

• Tobacco Users: This includes those who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as people who use smokeless tobacco products.
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Long-term alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth and throat, increasing cancer risk—especially when combined with tobacco.
• HPV Infection: Certain strains, particularly HPV 16 and 18, are linked to oropharyngeal cancers.
• People Over 50: While oral cancer can develop at any age, risk increases as you get older.
• Betel Quid and Gutka use: Chewing these products, which are common in some cultures, exposes the mouth to carcinogenic substances.
• Excess Body Weight: Obesity has been connected to higher rates of several cancers, including those of the mouth and throat.
• Prolonged Sun Exposure: This can raise the risk of lip cancer, particularly for people who work or spend time outdoors.
• Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Fanconi anemia or Dyskeratosis congenita are associated with a higher oral cancer risk.

Get your oral cancer screening with Main Street Smiles.

At Main Street Smiles in Barrington, IL, we care about more than just your oral health. We care about your overall health too. And you’ll see it in our approach to general dentistry. If you are overdue for a professional dental cleaning or are concerned about oral cancer, now is the time to schedule your next appointment.