Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Boston
A quick look at the tongue, cheeks, throat and neck can catch unusual changes early. Boston residents can learn what screening involves in Port Dover.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsA careful look beyond the teeth
Early changes in the mouth are often painless and easy to miss.
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, palate and throat. In its early stages, it may look like a small sore, a white or red patch or a lump that does not hurt. Screening is a quick examination that looks for these changes so they can be assessed further if needed. Most findings turn out to be harmless, but early checks matter.
Screening is typically part of a dental exam at our Port Dover office, and patients from Boston can also ask for it specifically if they have noticed something unusual. Point out any area that concerns you, however small, so the dentist can take a closer look.
Risk factors
Anyone can be affected, though some risks raise the odds.
Habits and exposures
Tobacco use in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco, is a major risk factor. Heavy alcohol use increases the risk further, especially combined with tobacco. Long-term sun exposure is linked to lip cancer, which may be relevant for people who spend many hours outdoors working fields or tending livestock through the summer months.
Other factors
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with cancers at the back of the mouth and throat. Age, a weakened immune system and a previous history of oral cancer are other factors. Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop cancer, and people with no known risks can still be affected, so screening matters for everyone.
The screening
The examination is quick, painless and thorough.
Looking inside the mouth
The dentist looks carefully at your lips, the inside of your cheeks, gums, tongue, including its sides and underside, the floor of the mouth, the palate and the back of the throat. They may use gauze to gently hold your tongue to see all surfaces. Changes in colour, texture or shape are noted in your record.
Feeling for lumps
The dentist may gently feel the tissues inside your mouth and the lymph nodes in your neck and under your jaw, checking for lumps or areas of firmness. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes. Let the dentist know if any area is tender or if you have noticed a change since your last visit.
If something is found
Most findings are harmless, but some need follow-up.
Watching or retesting
Many sores and patches are caused by irritation, biting, ill-fitting dentures or minor infections. The dentist may suggest addressing the likely cause and checking the area again in a couple of weeks. If it heals, no further action may be needed. Keep the follow-up appointment even if you think it has gone, so it can be confirmed.
Referral for further assessment
If an area does not heal, looks unusual or has features that raise concern, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, which might include a biopsy. A referral does not mean cancer has been found; it means a closer look is warranted. Ask what the next steps will involve and how results will be shared.
Self-checks
You can help by noticing changes early.
Signs to watch for
Look for sores that do not heal within two weeks, white or red patches, lumps or thickened areas, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, numbness in the mouth or lips and unexplained bleeding. If you notice any of these, contact the office or your physician rather than waiting for your next routine checkup to come around in the calendar.
Reducing your risk
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and using lip balm with sun protection when working outdoors can lower risk. If you wear dentures, have them checked so they do not rub and cause sores. Regular dental visits give a trained eye the chance to spot changes you might not see yourself, especially at the back of the mouth or under the tongue.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a screening from Boston
Oral cancer screening is usually part of a routine exam at our Port Dover office. If you have noticed a sore, patch or lump, call to describe it so the team can arrange a timely look.
Note when you first noticed the change and whether it has grown, bled or become painful, as this helps the dentist assess it.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Oral cancer screening questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Does oral cancer screening hurt?
No. It involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues of your mouth and neck. It usually takes only a few minutes and is often done as part of your regular dental exam without any extra appointment.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is commonly done at routine dental checkups. People with higher risk factors may be monitored more closely. The dentist can advise based on your history and any changes they observe from one visit to the next.
What if the dentist finds something?
Most findings are harmless and may be rechecked after a short time. If an area looks concerning or does not heal, a referral for further assessment may be recommended. This does not automatically mean cancer.
I do not smoke. Do I still need screening?
Yes. While tobacco is a major risk factor, oral cancer can occur in people who have never smoked. HPV, sun exposure and other factors also play a role, so a regular check is worthwhile for everyone.
Can I check my own mouth?
Yes. Look for sores that do not heal, unusual patches or lumps, and report anything that lasts more than two weeks. Self-checks are a helpful addition to, but not a replacement for, professional screening at your checkups.
Related exams and support
Additional Services →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular checkups catch decay, gum changes and worn dental work early. Boston residents can book exams in Port Dover and hear findings in plain words.
Special Care Dentistry →
Patients with medical, developmental or cognitive needs may need care planned around them. Boston families can discuss options in Port Dover first.