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Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, and early detection plays a major role in successful treatment. Routine oral cancer screening during dental visits helps identify small changes in the mouth before they become more serious.
With updated information from the American Cancer Society, this blog explains why screening matters, what symptoms to watch for, and how self-checks can support early detection.
Table of Contents
- What Is Oral Cancer?
- Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
- Updated Oral Cancer Statistics
- How Do I Know If I Have Oral Cancer?
- How Dentists and Oral Surgeons Work Together in Screening
- What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
- How to Perform a Monthly Self-Check
- Prevention and Early Detection Tips
- Schedule an Evaluation in Boulder, CO
- FAQs
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in the tissues of the mouth. It can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, jaw bones, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, tonsils and oropharynx. Although these cancers are more common in older adults, they can also occur in individuals under the age of 55.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important
The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to identify suspicious areas early. When oral cancer is diagnosed in its initial stages, treatment outcomes are significantly better. A screening test for oral cancer is simple and typically completed by your dentist during a routine exam.
Most screenings take only a few minutes and involve a visual exam of the mouth and throat. Routine dental x-rays should also be taken per your dentist’s recommendation. Because early symptoms may be painless, professional screenings are essential for early detection.
Updated Oral Cancer Statistics
According to the American Cancer Society’s 2025 estimates:
- About 59,660 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2025.
- About 12,770 people are expected to die from these cancers in 2025.
- The average age at diagnosis is 64, but more than 1 in 5 cases occur in people younger than 55.
- These cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women.
- Incidence rates have increased by about 1 percent per year since the mid-2000s, mostly due to HPV-related throat cancers.
- The death rate has also risen slightly each year.
These 2025 estimates highlight the importance of regular oral cancer screening and prompt evaluation of any changes in the mouth.
How Do I Know If I Have Oral Cancer?
Early signs are often subtle and may not cause pain. Contact a professional right away if you notice:
- Sores that do not heal within 2 weeks of first appearing
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
- A lump or thickened area in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
- Numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue
These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but they should be evaluated promptly.
How Dentists and Oral Surgeons Work Together in Screening
Routine oral cancer screening is typically performed at your dentist’s office during regular checkups. During a screening, your dentist or hygienist examines the mouth, throat, and neck for signs of abnormal tissue.
If your dentist finds an area that requires further assessment, you will be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Oral surgeons perform biopsies, provide accurate diagnoses, and recommend the next steps in care. Our surgeons support patients at the diagnostic stage and help determine whether a suspicious area is benign or requires treatment.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
A screening test for oral cancer includes:
- A visual exam of the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and throat
- Gentle palpation of the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes
- Evaluation of any sores, patches, or areas that look unusual
The exam is quick, comfortable, and does not require advance preparation. If the provider identifies anything suspicious, they will recommend referral to an oral surgeon for a biopsy.
How to Perform a Monthly Self-Check
Self-checks help you identify changes between dental visits. Use a light and mirror and look for:
- Sores lasting longer than two weeks
- Unusual lumps or bumps
- Red or white patches
- Areas that feel tender, thickened, or numb
- Changes in how your teeth fit together
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
Self-checks do not replace professional screenings, but they support early detection.
Common Risk Factors
You may have a higher risk of developing oral cancer if you have:
- A history of tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Previous HPV infection
- A family history of head or neck cancer
- High sun exposure to the lips
- Poor nutrition
Individuals with multiple risk factors should prioritize regular oral cancer screening.
Prevention and Early Detection Tips
These steps can help reduce your risk:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol intake
- Protect your lips with SPF
- Maintain regular dental visits
- Monitor your mouth with monthly self-checks
- Ask your dentist about HPV vaccination
Schedule an Evaluation in Boulder, CO
If your dentist has referred you for a biopsy or you have noticed a change in your mouth that concerns you, we are here to help. Our team provides diagnostic evaluations and biopsies to determine the cause of suspicious oral lesions.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO.
FAQs
Most adults should ideally receive an oral cancer screening twice a year as part of their routine 6 month dental checkups. Individuals with higher risk factors, such as tobacco use or heavy alcohol consumption, may require more frequent evaluations. Your dentist can recommend the appropriate schedule based on your health history.
Early symptoms may include persistent sores, white or red patches, swelling, lumps, unexplained bleeding, or difficulty swallowing. Any change that lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a dental professional and, if needed, referred to an oral surgeon for further testing.
Most dental and medical insurance plans provide coverage for biopsies when a suspicious lesion is present, since diagnostic testing is considered medically necessary. Coverage varies based on the type of plan, the reason for the biopsy, and whether the insurer processes it under dental or medical benefits.
