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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Port Ryerse
A quick look at the tongue, cheeks, throat and lips can catch changes early. Port Ryerse residents can have oral cancer screening at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Port Ryerse patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Port RyerseEarly detection matters
A few minutes of screening can catch changes early.
Oral cancer can develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate or throat. Early changes are often painless and easy to miss, which is why routine screening by a dental professional is valuable. Most findings turn out to be harmless, but those that need further investigation are best discovered early.
A visual and physical check of the mouth is part of a thorough dental exam at our Port Dover office for patients from Port Ryerse. If you have noticed a sore, lump or patch that will not heal, call to arrange an assessment rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some factors raise risk.
Lifestyle factors
Tobacco use in any form and heavy alcohol consumption are major risk factors, especially combined. Frequent sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer, worth remembering for anyone spending long summer days outdoors by the lake. Using lip balm with sun protection is a simple habit that helps.
Other influences
Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus is linked with cancers of the throat. Age, a weakened immune system and a previous history of oral cancer also raise risk. Screening is recommended even for people without obvious risk factors, as cancer can still occur.
What to watch for
Know which changes to report.
Changes in the mouth
Look out for a sore or ulcer that does not heal within about two weeks, red or white patches, a lump or thickening in the cheek or tongue, rough or crusted areas on the lips and bleeding without a clear cause. Numbness in part of the mouth or lips is also worth reporting.
Other symptoms
Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or chewing, a feeling that something is caught in the throat, ear pain on one side or a lump in the neck can be signs worth investigating. Many of these have harmless causes, but they should not be ignored.
The screening
Screening is quick and painless.
Visual examination
The dentist or hygienist looks at your lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate and the back of the throat. Gauze may be used to gently hold the tongue to see its sides. Dentures should be removed so the tissues underneath can be examined.
Physical examination
The clinician feels the jaw, neck and inside of the mouth for lumps or areas of firmness. The process takes only a few minutes. Mention any area you are concerned about so it can be looked at closely. Findings are recorded so changes can be tracked over time.
If something is found
Most findings are not cancer, but follow-up matters.
Monitoring a minor change
Many sores and patches are caused by irritation from a sharp tooth, denture or habit, or by infection. The dentist may remove the source of irritation and ask you to return within a couple of weeks to check whether the area has healed.
Referral for further tests
If a change does not resolve or looks concerning, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for a biopsy or further evaluation. Referral is a precaution, not a diagnosis. Ask what will happen next and how results will be communicated.
Planning your appointment
Screening appointments for Port Ryerse residents.
Call our Port Dover office if you have noticed a sore, patch or lump that has not healed. Otherwise, screening is typically included with your regular dental exam.
Note when you first noticed any change and whether it has grown, bled or become painful.
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.
How often should I be screened?
Screening is commonly part of each routine dental exam. People with higher risk may be monitored more closely. The dentist will advise how often you should be checked.
Does screening hurt?
No. It involves looking at and gently feeling the tissues in your mouth and neck. It takes only a few minutes and is usually done during a regular checkup.
What if I have a sore that will not heal?
Contact the office if a sore lasts longer than about two weeks. Most have harmless causes, but persistent sores should be examined promptly.
Do I need screening if I do not smoke?
Yes. While smoking increases risk, oral cancer can occur in non-smokers too, including those linked to HPV. Routine screening is recommended for all adults.
Can denture wearers be screened?
Yes. Denture wearers should continue regular dental visits, and dentures are removed during screening so the tissues underneath can be checked thoroughly.
Related examinations
Additional Services →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular checkups catch small problems early. Year-round and seasonal Port Ryerse residents can keep exams on schedule with our family team in Port Dover.
Special Care Dentistry →
Medical, developmental or cognitive needs can change how dental care works. Port Ryerse patients and caregivers can plan an individual approach in Port Dover.