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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Turkey Point
A quick check of the mouth and throat can spot changes worth a closer look. Turkey Point patients can learn what screening involves and which signs to report.
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See every dental service for Turkey PointA careful look at soft tissues
Screening helps spot unusual changes early, when they are easier to address.
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth and throat. Early changes are often painless and easy to miss. A screening is a visual and physical examination of these areas, usually done during a regular dental exam. Most findings turn out to be harmless, but anything unusual can be monitored or referred.
Turkey Point residents and summer visitors can have an oral cancer screening as part of an exam at our Port Dover office. If you have noticed a sore, patch or lump, mention it when you book.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some factors raise the risk.
Lifestyle and exposure
Tobacco use in any form and heavy alcohol consumption are major risk factors, and together they increase risk further. Sun exposure is linked to lip cancer, which is worth considering for people who spend long hours outdoors at the beach or on the water. Using lip balm with sun protection is a simple preventive habit.
Other factors
Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus is associated with some throat cancers. Age, a weakened immune system and a history of previous oral cancer also play a role. Even without risk factors, regular screening is worthwhile. Sharing your history helps the dentist decide how closely to monitor any changes.
Signs to report
Know which changes should be checked by a professional.
Changes in the mouth
A sore or ulcer that does not heal within about two weeks, white or red patches, a lump or thickening, or rough areas on the gums, tongue or cheeks should be examined. Bleeding without an obvious cause or numbness in part of the mouth are also worth reporting. Most such changes are not cancer, but they deserve evaluation.
Symptoms in the throat and jaw
Persistent hoarseness, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, ear pain on one side and changes in how dentures fit can also be signs. A lump in the neck should be checked as well. Do not wait for your next routine appointment if these symptoms persist.
The screening
The screening is quick and painless.
Looking at all areas of the mouth
The dentist examines the lips, inside of the cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, tongue and the back of the throat. You may be asked to stick out your tongue and move it side to side so the edges can be seen. Dentures are removed so the tissue underneath can be checked.
Feeling for lumps
The dentist gently feels the jaw, neck and under the chin for lumps or swelling. They may also feel inside the mouth for areas of thickening. The whole process typically takes only a few minutes. If something is noted, the dentist will explain what they see and what the next step should be.
If something is found
Most findings are monitored; some need further evaluation.
Monitoring a change
Many sores and patches have harmless causes such as irritation from a sharp tooth, denture rubbing or a bitten cheek. The dentist may remove the source of irritation and ask you to return in a couple of weeks to see whether the area has healed. Photos may be taken to compare changes over time.
Referral for further testing
If an area does not heal or looks concerning, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for further assessment, which can include a biopsy. Ask what the referral involves and how soon you should be seen. Seasonal residents should ensure any follow-up is arranged before leaving Turkey Point, or transferred to their home provider.
Planning your appointment
Booking a screening from Turkey Point
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam that includes oral cancer screening. If you have a specific sore or lump, describe it and how long it has been there.
Mention tobacco or alcohol use and any previous oral lesions. Bring dentures so the tissue underneath can be examined.
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.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
Screening is commonly part of regular dental exams. The dentist may suggest closer monitoring if you have risk factors or a history of oral lesions.
Is the screening painful?
No. It involves looking at and gently feeling the mouth, jaw and neck. It takes only a few minutes.
What if I have a sore that will not heal?
Any sore lasting longer than about two weeks should be examined. Call the office rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
Does finding a patch mean I have cancer?
Not usually. Many changes have harmless causes. The dentist will explain whether monitoring or referral is the appropriate next step.
Can sun exposure affect my lips?
Yes. Long-term sun exposure is a risk factor for lip cancer. Lip balm with sun protection is a simple way to reduce exposure.
Related exams and support
Additional Services →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular dental exams find problems while they are small. Turkey Point residents and cottagers can see what a checkup covers and how to prepare for Port Dover.
Special Care Dentistry →
Patients with medical, developmental or sensory needs may need dental visits planned differently. Turkey Point families can talk through support options in Port Dover.