Oral Cancer Screening at Viva Dental Orangeville
Oral Cancer Screening Services in Orangeville
To keep your teeth healthy, it’s really important to brush them two times each day, floss, and visit a dentist on a regular basis. But, it’s also crucial to have oral cancer checks when you see the dentist. Oral cancer can be very dangerous if not found early, and the best chance for that is by visiting Viva Dental Orangeville every six months.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is not just one disease. There are six identified cancers of the mouth, including:
- The floor of the mouth
- Gum
- Hard palate
- Inner cheek or buccal mucosa
- Tongue
- Lip
At Viva Dental, our dentists check for cancer because when treatment starts sooner, it’s easier to cure it. An oral cancer screening means the dentist looks closely at the soft parts inside your mouth, especially around your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
We also wear gloves to touch the tissues, trying to find hard bumps, lumps under the tongue, and on the cheeks, lips, and outside of the neck and throat. If they discover lumps or bumps, they might take a small sample in their office or suggest you see a cancer specialist.
Symptoms of Oral Cancers
- Sores, irritations, thick patches, or lumps on the mouth, lips, or throat
- White or red sores in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, or the feeling of something caught in your throat
- Swelling of the jaw making it difficult to put in dentures
- Numbness in your mouth or tongue
- Pain around the ear
Do you want to know more about our oral cancer screening services? Feel free to ask Dr. Rakhshanfar or any of our team members for more details.
You can give us a call at 519 938 5200 to set up a time to talk or to find out about the price of oral cancer screening at our clinic. Our dentist and the team are here to make sure you have a great dental experience and to keep your smile healthy and shining.
get an appointment TODAY!
VIVA DENTAL GROUP ORANGEVILLE
Our team of highly trained professionals uses the latest dentistry technologies to maintain your brilliant healthy smile. Located at 287 BROADWAY, ORANGEVILLE come visit us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick exam where a dentist checks your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of mouth, palate, and throat for early signs of mouth cancer or abnormal tissue changes.What does a dentist look for during an oral cancer screening?
They look for red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, unusual lumps, thickened tissue, changes in tongue texture, and areas of persistent irritation—plus they may feel your neck/jaw for swollen lymph nodes.Is oral cancer screening painful?
No—an oral cancer screening exam is typically painless and takes just a few minutes as part of a routine dental checkup.How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Many clinics include mouth cancer screening during regular dental exams (often every 6–12 months). Higher-risk patients may be advised to screen more frequently.Who should get an oral cancer screening (high-risk groups)?
Everyone benefits, but it’s especially important if you use tobacco/vape, drink alcohol frequently, have a history of HPV exposure, have had previous oral lesions, have lots of sun exposure (lip cancer risk), or are over 40.What are the most common warning signs of oral cancer?
Common oral cancer symptoms include a mouth sore lasting more than 2 weeks, persistent throat soreness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained bleeding, numbness, hoarseness, or a lump in the mouth/neck.Can oral cancer happen if I don’t smoke?
Yes. While tobacco is a major risk factor, HPV-related oral cancers and other factors (alcohol, genetics, immune issues) can affect non-smokers too.Does oral cancer screening detect HPV-related cancers?
Screening can identify suspicious changes in the mouth and throat area, but HPV itself usually requires separate testing. If anything looks unusual, your dentist may recommend further evaluation.What happens if something suspicious is found?
Your dentist may re-check the area after a short period, take photos/measurements, or refer you to an oral medicine specialist/ENT for further tests. Definitive diagnosis is typically confirmed through a biopsy.Is oral cancer screening covered by insurance in Canada, and what does it cost?
Coverage depends on your dental plan and province. Many offices include oral cancer screening as part of a routine exam fee, while some may itemize it separately—your clinic can confirm your exact coverage and pricing before the visit.