Preventive

Oral Cancer Screening

Comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of your routine exam. Early detection saves lives—our dentists check for signs of oral cancer in the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues.

Dentist examining a dental x-ray on a tablet with patient in a modern clinic.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Oral cancer accounts for 2.9% of all diagnosed cases of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 51,000 people across the country will develop oral cancer this year, with an estimated 10,000 fatalities expected from the disease.

The good news? Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. That's why we include a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every comprehensive dental exam at Smile Care Dental Group.

Where Oral Cancer Can Develop

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth and throat, but is most commonly found on:

The tongue
Tonsils and oropharynx
Gums
Floor of the mouth
Lips
Cheek lining
Hard palate

Who Is at Risk?

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain groups face higher risk. Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. Those particularly at risk include men over age 50 who are heavy smokers and frequently drink alcohol.

Additional risk factors include:

UV exposure from the sun or sunlamps
GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
Prior head and neck radiation treatment
Exposure to certain chemicals
Poor diet
HPV (human papillomavirus) infection

In fact, there has been a recent rise in oropharyngeal cancer due to increased transmission of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), even among people without traditional risk factors.

What to Expect During Your Screening

Our oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and thorough. Here's what happens:

First, we'll review your medical and dental histories and ask about any changes to your oral health or overall health. This conversation helps us understand your individual risk factors.

Then, your dentist will carefully examine:

Inside your mouth—checking all soft tissues, tongue, gums, and throat
Around your oral cavity
Your head and neck area for lumps or abnormalities

We're looking for any signs or symptoms that may indicate a problem, including unusual sores, lumps, discolored patches, or tissue changes.

Early Detection Saves Lives

While the death rate from oral cancer has been decreasing over the past several decades thanks to early detection and advanced treatment methods, vigilance remains essential. Regular screenings give us the best chance to catch any concerns early, when treatment is most effective.

If we notice anything unusual, we'll discuss next steps with you, which may include monitoring the area or referring you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Your oral cancer screening is included in your regular dental exam—just one more way we're looking out for your complete health and well-being.

How it works

Review Your Health History

We discuss your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any changes you've noticed in your mouth or overall health to understand your individual risk profile.

Visual and Physical Examination

Your dentist carefully examines all areas of your mouth, tongue, throat, and the tissues of your head and neck, looking for any unusual signs or symptoms.

Discussion and Next Steps

We explain our findings and, if needed, discuss monitoring or referral to a specialist. Most screenings show no concerns—we simply continue regular monitoring at future visits.

Common questions

Does oral cancer screening hurt?+

Not at all. The screening is completely painless. Your dentist will visually examine your mouth and gently feel the tissues of your head and neck. Most patients don't even realize the screening is happening—it's a natural part of your regular exam.

How often should I be screened for oral cancer?+

We include an oral cancer screening at every comprehensive dental exam, typically twice a year. If you have higher risk factors, we may recommend more frequent monitoring. Regular screenings give us the best chance to catch any changes early.

What happens if my dentist finds something concerning?+

First, try not to worry—many oral tissue changes are benign. If we notice anything unusual, we may monitor it over a few weeks to see if it resolves on its own, or we may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. We'll explain everything clearly and guide you through any next steps.

Get in touch — Paramus, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

New patients are always welcome. Give us a call, and we'll find a time that fits — gentle care, honest answers, no pressure.

No-pressure, unhurried first visit
We file your insurance for you
Easy online booking, day or night