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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Oral Cancer Screening in Wilsonville
A quick check of the tongue, cheeks, throat and neck can flag changes early. Wilsonville patients can learn what screening involves at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleLooking beyond the teeth
A few careful minutes can help detect changes early.
Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat and neck to look for unusual changes. Most findings turn out to be harmless, such as minor irritation or a bitten cheek, but some changes warrant monitoring or further testing. Screening is often part of a routine exam, yet it is worth knowing what is being checked.
Patients who make the trip from Wilsonville to our Port Dover office for checkups can ask the dentist to explain the screening as it happens. If you have noticed a sore, lump or patch that has not healed, mention it when booking so the dentist can look at it carefully.
Why screen
Early changes are often painless.
Changes that can be missed
Early oral cancers and precancerous changes may not cause pain, so they can go unnoticed. Regular screening gives a trained eye the chance to spot red or white patches, lumps, ulcers or areas that feel different. Finding something early generally allows more treatment options if a problem is confirmed.
Risk factors
Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips and a history of previous oral cancer can increase risk. However, oral cancer can occur in people without these risk factors. Telling the dentist about your habits and history helps guide how closely certain areas are monitored.
What to watch
Report changes that do not heal.
Changes in the mouth
Look for sores that do not heal within about two weeks, red or white patches, lumps or thickened areas, bleeding without a clear cause and numbness in the mouth or lips. Changes in how dentures fit can also be a clue. Check your mouth in a mirror occasionally and note anything new.
Symptoms beyond the mouth
Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a feeling that something is stuck in the throat, ear pain on one side and lumps in the neck are worth mentioning. These symptoms have many possible causes, but they should be evaluated if they persist. Contact your dentist or doctor rather than waiting for a routine visit.
The screening
Screening is quick and painless.
Looking inside the mouth
The dentist looks at your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate and throat. You may be asked to stick out your tongue so the sides and underside can be seen. A piece of gauze may be used to gently hold the tongue. Remove dentures beforehand so all surfaces can be examined.
Feeling the neck and jaw
The dentist gently feels the neck, under the jaw and around the jaw joints for lumps or tenderness. The process usually takes only a few minutes. Ask the dentist to explain what they are checking, especially if you have concerns about a particular area.
If something is found
A finding does not necessarily mean cancer.
Monitoring a change
Many changes are caused by irritation, infection or injury. The dentist may suggest removing a possible cause, such as a sharp tooth edge, and re-checking the area in a couple of weeks. Photos may be taken to compare. If the area heals, no further action may be needed.
Referral for further testing
If a change persists or looks concerning, the dentist may recommend a biopsy or referral to a specialist. This step helps establish a diagnosis. Ask what the referral involves and how you will receive results. Following through on recommendations is important even if the area is not painful.
Planning your appointment
Screening during visits from Wilsonville.
Book a checkup at our Port Dover office and mention any sores, patches or lumps you have noticed. The dentist will include a screening and explain any findings during the appointment.
Let the team know about tobacco or alcohol use and any previous history of oral lesions, so screening can be appropriately thorough.
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 included in regular dental exams. People with higher risk factors may be monitored more closely. Your dentist will recommend an appropriate schedule.
Does screening hurt?
No, it is a quick visual and physical examination. You may feel gentle pressure when the dentist checks your neck and jaw.
What if I find a sore at home?
Many sores heal within two weeks. If a sore, patch or lump persists beyond that, contact your dentist or doctor for an evaluation.
Can non-smokers get oral cancer?
Yes. While tobacco increases risk, oral cancer can develop in people without known risk factors, which is why routine screening is valuable for everyone.
Is a biopsy painful?
A biopsy is usually done under local anaesthetic. Some tenderness may follow. The specialist will explain the procedure and aftercare.
Checkups and individualized care
Additional Services →Dental Exams and Checkups →
Regular dental exams catch decay, gum changes and other problems early. Wilsonville patients can book checkups and plan return visits at our Port Dover office.
Special Care Dentistry →
Developmental, medical, sensory or cognitive needs can shape how dental care works. Wilsonville families can plan individual support with our Port Dover team.