Oral Cancer Screening: What to Expect and Early Warning Signs
When most people think about visiting the dentist, they think of clean teeth, healthy gums, and cavity prevention. But there’s another essential reason to keep up with your regular dental visits — oral cancer screening.
At Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, we believe prevention and early detection are key to maintaining not just a healthy smile, but also your overall wellbeing. Oral cancer can affect anyone, and early detection through screening can make all the difference in successful treatment and recovery.
In this blog, we’ll explain what oral cancer screening involves, the signs to look out for, and how regular dental visits can literally save lives.
Understanding Oral Cancer :
Oral cancer refers to cancers that occur in the mouth and surrounding areas, including:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Gums
- Cheeks
- Roof or floor of the mouth
- Throat (oropharynx)
It usually begins as a small, painless lesion that can easily go unnoticed — which is why professional screenings are so important.
Why Early Detection Matters :
Like most cancers, early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment success and survival rates. When caught early, oral cancer can often be treated effectively before it spreads.
Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at later stages because the early signs can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, such as mouth ulcers or infections. That’s why regular dental check-ups that include oral cancer screening are so vital.
At Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, we incorporate screening as part of your routine examination, helping to identify any suspicious changes as early as possible.
Who Is at Risk?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk. These include:
- Tobacco Use :
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco is one of the biggest risk factors. The harmful chemicals in tobacco damage cells in the mouth and throat over time.
- Alcohol Consumption :
Heavy drinking can irritate the mouth’s lining, especially when combined with tobacco use, significantly raising the risk.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) :
Certain strains of HPV, a common viral infection, are linked to throat and mouth cancers.
- Excessive Sun Exposure :
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of lip cancer, particularly on the lower lip.
- Poor Oral Hygiene or Nutrition :
A diet low in fruits and vegetables and irregular dental care can contribute to a higher risk.
- Age and Gender :
Oral cancer is more common in people over 40 and slightly more prevalent in men, although cases in younger adults are increasing.
Even if you don’t fall into these categories, regular screenings are still important — oral cancer can develop in anyone.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For :
Oral cancer doesn’t always cause pain in its early stages. However, it’s essential to pay attention to any persistent changes in your mouth. Common warning signs include:
- A sore, ulcer, or lump that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
- Red, white, or speckled patches inside the mouth.
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
- Persistent pain, numbness, or tenderness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks.
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw.
- A feeling of something stuck in your throat.
- Changes in voice or hoarseness.
- Swelling or thickening of tissue inside the mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to book an appointment promptly. Early assessment is always better than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening ?
Oral cancer screening is simple, quick, and completely painless. During your regular check-up at Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, our dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and surrounding tissues.
Here’s what to expect:
- Visual Examination :
We’ll carefully inspect the inside of your mouth — including your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth — for any abnormal colour changes, spots, or growths.
- Physical Examination :
We’ll gently feel your jawline, neck, and under your chin for any lumps, swelling, or irregularities.
- Tongue and Throat Check :
Your dentist may ask you to stick out your tongue and say “ahh” to examine the back of your throat and tonsil area.
- Special Screening Tools (if needed) :
In some cases, we may use special lights or dyes that help highlight abnormal tissues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The entire process takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive. Most of the time, no issues are found — but if something looks unusual, your dentist may recommend further evaluation or a biopsy to rule out anything serious.
What If Something Suspicious Is Found?
Finding a suspicious area doesn’t automatically mean cancer. Many spots or sores are benign (non-cancerous) and may be due to irritation, infection, or trauma.
However, if we see anything that requires a closer look, we’ll discuss the next steps clearly and calmly with you. This may include:
- Monitoring the area over a few weeks to see if it changes.
- Referring you to an oral surgeon or specialist for further examination.
- Biopsy testing, if necessary, to confirm a diagnosis.
Our team at Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental ensures you are supported every step of the way, with compassionate care and clear communication.
How to Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer :
Prevention plays a major role in reducing your risk of oral cancer. Here are some practical steps:
-
- Quit smoking or using tobacco in any form.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Protect your lips from the sun using lip balm with SPF and wearing a hat outdoors.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene — brush twice daily and floss once a day.
- Keep up with regular dental check-ups that include oral cancer screenings.
Even small changes can have a big impact on your long-term health.
How Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental Can Help ?
At Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental, your health is our top priority. We incorporate oral cancer screening into routine check-ups for all our patients, because early detection saves lives.
Our experienced dentists:
- Perform thorough examinations for early signs of oral cancer.
- Use the latest screening techniques.
- Educate patients on what to look for at home.
- Provide caring guidance and support if any concerns arise.
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and preventative care — helping you maintain a smile that’s not only bright, but healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts :
Oral cancer screening may only take a few minutes, but its impact can last a lifetime. Many people don’t realise that their dentist plays a crucial role in detecting oral cancer early — often before symptoms become noticeable.
By visiting Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental regularly and staying alert to any changes in your mouth, you can protect your health and your smile.
If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, or if you’ve noticed any unusual spots or sores, don’t wait — schedule an appointment today. Early detection truly makes all the difference.
Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental — caring for your whole mouth, for a brighter, healthier future.
Your next dental check-up could save more than your smile. Book your oral cancer screening at Brighter Smiles Dapto Dental today for peace of mind and protection.
Oct 2025
