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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Jarvis
A quick look at the tongue, cheeks, gums and throat can catch unusual changes early. See what an oral cancer screening involves and when Jarvis patients should call.
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Every dental service for Jarvis patientsA careful look at soft tissue
Early detection depends on noticing changes.
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth and throat. Early changes are often painless and may look like a small sore, a white or red patch, or a lump. A screening is a visual and physical check of these tissues, usually done during regular dental exams, to identify anything that needs closer evaluation.
Screening is part of many routine exams at our Port Dover office, and a Jarvis patient can also request a focused look at a spot that is worrying them. Most findings turn out to be harmless, but checking is wise.
Risk factors
Risk is higher for some, but not limited to them.
Known risk factors
Tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, certain strains of human papillomavirus and a history of previous oral cancer increase risk. Risk also tends to rise with age. Sharing your habits and history honestly helps the dentist understand how closely to monitor certain areas.
Why everyone benefits
Oral cancer can occur in people with no known risk factors. Because early changes are often painless and easy to miss, regular screening is valuable for adults generally. It takes only a few minutes and is typically part of a comprehensive exam, so there is little burden in having it done.
The screening
The check is quick and painless.
Visual examination
The dentist looks at your lips, inside the cheeks, gums, the roof and floor of your mouth, all surfaces of the tongue and the back of the throat. You may be asked to stick out your tongue and move it side to side. A light and mirror help the dentist see hard-to-reach areas.
Feeling for lumps
The dentist gently feels the neck, jaw and under the chin for lumps or swollen lymph nodes. The tongue and floor of the mouth may also be felt. If you wear dentures, you will be asked to remove them so the tissues underneath can be checked.
If something is found
Most findings are benign, but follow-up matters.
Monitoring and re-checking
Many sores and patches are caused by irritation, infection or minor injury and heal within a couple of weeks. The dentist may ask you to return for a re-check to confirm an area has resolved. If a sharp tooth or denture is causing irritation, it may be adjusted.
Referral for further assessment
If an area looks suspicious or does not heal, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation, which may include a biopsy. A referral does not mean you have cancer; it means the area needs a closer look. Ask what to expect and keep the appointment.
Self-checks
You can help by watching for changes.
What to watch for
Look for sores that do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches, lumps, thickened areas, numbness, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something caught in the throat. Use a mirror and good light to check your mouth occasionally, especially if you have risk factors.
When to call
If you notice a change that lasts more than two weeks, call the office rather than waiting for your next checkup. Reducing tobacco and alcohol use and protecting your lips from the sun can lower risk. Regular dental visits provide ongoing screening opportunities.
Planning your appointment
Requesting a screening from Jarvis
Screening is often included in a routine exam at our Port Dover office. If you have noticed a specific sore or patch, mention it when booking.
Note how long the area has been present and whether it has changed, and bring a list of your medications.
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 the mouth and neck. It takes just a few minutes and is usually part of a regular exam.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is commonly part of routine dental exams. The dentist may suggest closer monitoring if you have risk factors or a history of changes.
What does a white patch mean?
White patches can have many causes, including irritation or infection. Some need further evaluation. If a patch lasts more than two weeks, have it checked.
Can I get oral cancer if I don’t smoke?
Yes. While tobacco increases risk, oral cancer can occur in non-smokers. Regular screening is beneficial for adults generally.
What happens if I need a biopsy?
The dentist may refer you to a specialist who removes a small tissue sample for testing. Results guide next steps. Ask questions so you know what to expect.
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