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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Nanticoke
A quick look at the soft tissues of the mouth can catch changes early. Nanticoke residents can learn what screening involves at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Nanticoke patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every service for Nanticoke patientsLooking beyond the teeth
Early changes in the mouth are easier to act on.
Oral cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, palate or throat. In its early stages it may look like a small patch, sore or lump that does not hurt. A screening is a careful visual and physical check of these tissues. It does not diagnose cancer, but it can identify changes that warrant closer attention.
Screening is typically included in routine exams for patients from Nanticoke at our Port Dover office. You can also book a visit if you have noticed something unusual. The dentist will explain what they see and whether monitoring or a referral would be sensible.
Risk and symptoms
Know which changes are worth mentioning.
Changes to report
Report any sore or ulcer that has not healed within about two weeks, red or white patches, lumps or thickened areas, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, numbness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat. A change in how dentures fit can also be a sign. Most changes turn out to be harmless, but they should be checked.
Factors that raise risk
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, sun exposure to the lips, human papillomavirus infection and older age are associated with higher risk. People without these factors can still develop oral cancer. Let the dentist know about any risk factors, so they can tailor the screening and advice to your situation.
The screening
A screening takes just a few minutes.
Visual examination
The dentist looks carefully at your lips, inside the cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate and back of the throat, using a light and a mirror. Your tongue may be gently held with gauze to see its sides and underside. If you wear dentures, they are removed so the tissues underneath can be seen clearly.
Feeling for changes
The dentist may gently feel the tissues inside your mouth and the lymph nodes in your neck and under your jaw for lumps or tenderness. The process is painless. If anything unusual is noticed, the dentist will tell you what they see and explain the next steps, which may include monitoring.
If something is found
Most findings are not cancer, but follow-up matters.
Monitoring
Many abnormal-looking areas are caused by irritation, infection or other harmless conditions. The dentist may recommend removing a possible cause, such as a sharp tooth edge or ill-fitting denture, and rechecking the area in a couple of weeks. Keep this follow-up appointment, since the change in appearance over time helps guide decisions.
Referral and further tests
If an area looks suspicious or does not heal, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for further assessment, which can include a biopsy. A referral does not mean you have cancer; it means the area needs a closer look. Ask the dentist to explain what was found and what the referral involves.
Reducing risk
Small habits can lower your risk.
Lifestyle factors
Avoiding tobacco in all forms and limiting alcohol are among the most important ways to reduce oral cancer risk. Use lip balm with sun protection when spending time outdoors, which is easy to forget on a sunny day by the lake. Ask your physician about the HPV vaccine if relevant. A balanced diet supports overall health too.
Self-checks between visits
Between dental visits, look in the mirror occasionally at your lips, gums, tongue and inside your cheeks. Feel for lumps in your neck. If you notice a change that lasts more than two weeks, call the office rather than waiting for your next checkup, so it can be assessed promptly.
Planning your appointment
Screening for Nanticoke patients
Oral cancer screening is usually part of routine exams at our Port Dover office. If you have noticed a sore, patch or lump that will not heal, call to arrange an appointment sooner.
Note when you first noticed any change and whether it has grown, and mention tobacco or alcohol use honestly.
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
Screening questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No. It involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues of your mouth and neck. It takes only a few minutes and is typically included as part of a routine dental exam at regular checkups.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is usually performed at routine dental exams. If you have higher risk factors or a history of oral lesions, the dentist may recommend closer monitoring. Ask about the right frequency for you.
What does it mean if the dentist finds a white patch?
White patches can have many causes, including irritation, infection or other conditions. Most are not cancer. The dentist may recommend monitoring or a referral for further assessment, depending on the appearance and history.
Can non-smokers get oral cancer?
Yes. While tobacco and alcohol increase risk, oral cancer can occur in people without these risk factors, including cancers linked to HPV. Regular screening is useful for everyone, regardless of their habits.
What should I do if I notice a sore that will not heal?
Contact the dental office if a sore, patch or lump lasts more than about two weeks. The dentist can examine it and advise whether it needs monitoring, treatment or a referral for further assessment.
Exams where screening takes place
Additional Services →Dental Exams and Checkups →
A regular dental exam catches small problems before they grow. See what a checkup covers for Nanticoke residents visiting our Port Dover family practice.
Special Care Dentistry →
Patients with medical, developmental or cognitive needs deserve a plan built around them. Nanticoke families can discuss arrangements with our Port Dover team.