When most people think of dental checkups, they imagine cleanings, X-rays, and cavity prevention. But there’s another critical aspect of routine dental care that’s often overlooked: oral cancer screening. These quick, non-invasive exams can detect early warning signs of cancer—sometimes before you even notice symptoms yourself.
Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. That’s why regular screenings are so important. For residents of Virginia Beach, early detection through dental visits can literally save lives.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, throat, and sinuses. Like many cancers, oral cancer is most treatable when caught early. Unfortunately, because early symptoms are often subtle or painless, many cases are not diagnosed until the disease has progressed.
Screenings give dental professionals a chance to catch signs of abnormal tissue before it becomes something more serious. When oral cancer is found at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is around 84%. That number drops significantly as the cancer advances—making early detection one of the most powerful tools for improving outcomes.
Routine screenings take only a few minutes and are typically included as part of your regular dental exam. They're painless, cost-effective, and can be life-saving.
Understanding Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain risk factors can increase your chances. Some are lifestyle-related, while others may be genetic or environmental.
Tobacco use is one of the most significant contributors, whether through cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco products. Heavy alcohol consumption also raises the risk, especially when combined with tobacco use. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now one of the fastest-growing causes of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly in younger adults who may not have any history of tobacco use.
Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer, while poor nutrition and weakened immune systems may also play a role. Age is another factor—oral cancer is more common in adults over the age of 40, though cases are increasingly being seen in younger populations due to HPV.
Even if you have no risk factors at all, it’s still important to get screened regularly. Oral cancer doesn’t always follow predictable patterns.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Oral cancer may not always cause discomfort in its early stages. However, there are signs that, if noticed, should prompt a visit to your dentist or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth, neck, or throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Numbness or pain in the mouth, lips, or chin
- A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
- Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
Many of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions—but any lasting change in your mouth or throat should be evaluated by a professional to rule out more serious concerns.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening before, you might be surprised by how quick and easy it is. Screenings are often performed during routine dental exams, and they don’t require any special preparation.
Your dentist will begin with a visual inspection of your face, lips, neck, and mouth, looking for any asymmetries, swelling, discoloration, or other unusual signs. They’ll examine the inside of your cheeks, your tongue (including underneath), the roof and floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat.
In addition to the visual exam, your dentist may perform a tactile examination, gently feeling for lumps or irregular textures in the soft tissues of your mouth and neck. This part of the screening helps detect abnormalities that may not be visible on the surface.
Some offices may also use enhanced screening tools—such as special lights or dyes—to identify areas of tissue that may require closer evaluation. If anything suspicious is found, your dentist may recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further testing.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
For most adults, oral cancer screenings are recommended once a year, typically during one of your routine dental visits. However, those with higher risk factors—such as tobacco or alcohol use—may be advised to undergo screenings more frequently.
Even if you’re not in a high-risk category, annual screenings offer valuable peace of mind and ensure that any changes are caught early. Oral cancer can progress quickly, and skipping even one year could delay a potentially life-saving diagnosis.
If you notice a change in your mouth or throat between visits, don’t wait—contact your dentist promptly to schedule an evaluation.
The Role of Your Dentist in Prevention
Dentists play a vital role in detecting the early signs of oral cancer. Because they regularly examine the mouth and surrounding tissues, they’re uniquely positioned to identify subtle changes that might go unnoticed by a general physician or even the patient themselves.
Beyond the screening itself, your dentist can also help you understand and manage your personal risk factors. Whether it’s quitting tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption, or increasing awareness about HPV, your dental care provider is an important partner in your overall health.
Education is a powerful part of prevention. The more you know about your risk factors and the early warning signs, the better prepared you’ll be to take action.
Oral Cancer Screenings in Virginia Beach, VA
If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening recently—or if you’ve never had one at all—now is the time to prioritize this important part of your healthcare routine. In a matter of minutes, your dentist can check for early signs of cancer and help protect your long-term health.
In a vibrant community like Virginia Beach, access to high-quality dental care means that life-saving screenings are readily available. Whether you’re due for your next cleaning or just want peace of mind, adding an oral cancer screening to your exam is a smart move for your future.
Looking for oral cancer screenings in Virginia Beach?
ICON Smile Studios proudly offers comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of our preventive dental care in Virginia Beach. Our experienced team is trained to detect even the earliest signs of concern—and we’re committed to giving you the care, education, and support you deserve.
Schedule your next dental visit with ICON Smile Studios today and take a proactive step toward protecting your health—because early detection truly saves lives.