Oral cancer is not something most people worry about, until it becomes a real concern. This is where oral cancer screening can make all the difference.
During an oral cancer screening at Arbutus Station Dental our dentists and dental hygienists perform a gentle, thorough assessment of the mouth, lips, and throat to check for subtle changes that are often easy to miss on your own. It is a quick and comfortable part of your regular visit that helps us ensure that your oral health stays in great shape.
Early detection of dental diseases, including oral cancers, can help with protecting your long-term health, smile, and peace of mind. Read on to learn more about this procedure and why it is an essential part of preventive dental care.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a proactive way to detect early signs of concern before they become serious. Some key points you should know about this procedure are:
- It is quick and non-invasive – The process takes only a few minutes and involves a simple visual and physical examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat.
- It focuses on early detection – Small changes in the mouth can go unnoticeable on your own. But oral cancer screening helps our team identify these irregularities so we can treat it early.
- It is part of your routine care – No separate appointment needed. At Arbutus Station Dental, we do this procedure as part of your regular annual care.
- It is suitable for everyone – While smokers, heavy drinkers, and those in their 40s are at higher risk, anyone can benefit from regular oral cancer screenings.
- It sets you up for the right care – With oral cancer screening, we can help identify the problem, create a treatment plan, and help restore your oral health to its best.
Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?
A few minutes spent on the dental chair for oral cancer screening can make a big difference in your life. Here are the many ways why it matters:
Early detection, early treatment
Regular oral cancer screenings help identify changes in the colour or texture of the different parts of your mouth. This can be difficult to spot on your own as they usually do not cause pain or obvious symptoms. But with a comprehensive check, our team can help catch these signs and take action right away before the condition progresses.
Prevention of invasive, costly procedures
If left untreated, oral cancers can lead to complex and expensive procedures such as surgeries, extensive reconstruction, or long hospital care. A short screening today can save you from major procedures and expenses down the road.
Supports long-term health and well-being
Early detection and treatment helps our team provide the right care when it matters most with predictable and successful treatment outcomes. It keeps you healthy, confident, and free from complications that can affect your quality of life.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Did you know that anyone can develop oral cancer? But there are a select few who have an increased chance of getting one. This is important to know because being aware of your risk means you and your dentist can take preventive steps, including regular oral cancer screenings.
Some of the common risk factors to keep in mind are:
- Tobacco use – Cigarettes, vaping, and chewing tobacco expose the mouth to harmful chemicals that damage the tissue and increase risk of cancer.
- Excessive alcohol consumption – If you drink heavily, the lining of your mouth can become irritated and weakened, which can lead to cancer over time.
- HPV infection – Certain strains of HPV have been linked to oral and throat cancers. If you are pre-exposed, regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screening can play a role in reducing your risk.
- Frequent sun exposure – The lips are especially vulnerable to UV damage, increasing the risk of lip cancer. Aside from routine oral cancer screening in Vancouver, consider using a lip balm with SPF if you are prone to prolonged sun exposure.
- Age and genetics – Oral cancer tends to occur more often in adults over 40, but genetics can also play a role.
How is Oral Cancer Screening Done?
Oral cancer screening is included as part of your routine dental check-up. The process is seamless and quick. If further testing is required, our team will direct you to the appropriate specialists for proper care. Here's what you can usually expect during an oral cancer screening:
Finding a reliable dentist in Vancouver for oral cancer screening
Choosing a dental clinic you trust is the first step. At Arbutus Station Dental, we have a team of skilled and experienced dentists and hygienists who can identify suspicious changes in the mouth and determine right away whether further steps are required.
Visual examination helps locate unusual discolourations, spots
Oral cancer screening includes inspecting the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for spots, sores, or discolourations. These early visual cues often provide the first signs of change. Professional assessment is key because, while some of these unusual spots may just be simple irritation, the right team can help you understand if it is something to be concerned about.
Gentle physical check to feel for lumps, textured areas
Your dentist will also feel around the jaw, neck, and inside the mouth for unusual lumps. This will help detect problems that may not exactly be visible, but could indicate changes in the underlying soft tissue.
Dyes and scopes help with advanced screening
In some cases, we may use a special dye or fluorescent light (such as a VELscope®) to make abnormal cells easier to see. This advanced technology helps our team identify what the eye can miss.
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer to watch out for
Between appointments, stay alert for persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, difficulty in swallowing, or unexplained pain. And if you notice anything unusual, don't wait! Book a visit with our team for a consultation so we can understand the cause and provide proper treatment.
What Happens After Oral Cancer Screening?
After completing your oral cancer screening, the next step is to use the findings to determine whether further testing or treatment is needed or if you just need regular monitoring to check if changes will occur. Here's what we usually advise our Vancouver patients:
- Follow-up appointments – If we find anything unusual, we may schedule a follow-up visit to recheck the area. This will help us rule out whether it is simply an irritation on the tissue or something that needs closer attention.
- Additional testing for better diagnosis – Screenings usually begin with a visual and physical exam, but further testing, including dyes and scopes, may be recommended for a more detailed view of a specific area.
- Treatment consultation – If signs of oral cancer are found, our team will help you connect with a trusted specialist so you can begin treatment as soon as possible.
- Scheduling your next oral cancer screening – But if everything looks healthy, we will continue monitoring your oral health through regular check-ups. Oral cancer screenings are recommended once a year, or every six months if you are at a higher risk.
Final Thoughts
Preventive care plays a powerful role in protecting not only your smile but your overall health and quality of life. At Arbutus Station Dental, we make early detection and treatment of oral cancer simple, comfortable, and part of your routine care.
Book your dental visit today and learn about how oral screening can help you take a more proactive step toward your health.