Who Should Be Screened for Oral Cancer?

Who Should Be Screened for Oral Cancer?

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters for Everyone

Oral cancer can develop in anyone, regardless of age, lifestyle, or health history. While certain factors can increase risk, the truth is simple: every patient should receive regular oral cancer screenings as part of their routine dental care. Early detection saves lives—often long before symptoms are noticeable.

Here’s why everyone should be screened and what you need to know.

While oral cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after 40

Oral cancer is often painless and silent in its earliest stages. Many people don’t know anything is wrong until the disease has progressed. That’s why dental professionals include screenings as part of routine checkups. A few minutes in the dental chair can make a life-changing difference.

Even if you are healthy, have no symptoms, and don’t fall into a high-risk category, screening is still essential. Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate.

Why Regular Screening Matters

• Early detection leads to better outcomes: Survival rates improve dramatically when oral cancer is caught early.

• It’s quick and painless: Screenings involve a simple visual and physical exam of the mouth, lips, throat, and neck.

• Dentists can spot what you cannot: Many early signs are subtle or invisible without professional training.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

While everyone should be screened, certain individuals may benefit from particularly close monitoring:

• People who use tobacco in any form

• Individuals who consume alcohol frequently

• Those with HPV (especially HPV-16)

• Adults over 40

• Anyone with extensive sun exposure (risk for lip cancer)

• Individuals with a history of oral cancer

• People with persistent mouth sores, lumps, or unexplained symptoms

High-risk or not, screening is crucial for all patients.

What Happens During a Screening?

Your dental professional will:

• Examine the tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat

• Check the lips and the inside of the mouth

• Palpate the jaw and neck for unusual lumps

• Look for red or white patches, sores, or tissue changes

It’s simple, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes.

Take Charge of Your Health

Oral cancer screening isn’t just for certain groups—it’s for everyone. By including it in your regular dental visits, you’re taking an important step toward protecting your long-term health.

If it’s been a while since your last exam, or if you’ve noticed anything unusual, schedule an appointment today. Early detection is powerful—and your smile is worth protecting.