Oral Cancer
You may have noticed the last time you came in for a dental exam that we didn’t just look at your teeth. When we examine your tongue, cheeks, throat, and gums we are also screening for oral cancer.
The American Cancer society projects that about 64,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2026.
Oral cancer is especially dangerous because it often goes unnoticed for long periods of time. In its early stages, oral cancer can be completely painless.
See your dentist or doctor if you notice:
Sores, lumps, or rough spots on your tongue, throat, gums or anywhere else in your mouth that don’t go away in 2 weeks.
Red or white patches that don’t go away within 2 weeks.
Any non-healing area of the mouth or lips that persists for 2 weeks.
The general rule is if you notice anything new in your mouth or on your lips that doesn’t resolve in 2 weeks it needs to be evaluated by your dentist or medical provider.
Early diagnosis is very important in improving the odds of successful treatment. Treatment options for oral cancer include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by:
Not using tobacco products
limiting exposure to the sun
limiting alcohol consumption
The Centers for Disease Control also recommends that youth be vaccinated for Human Papilloma Virus which may reduce the risk of certain types of oral cancer.
Successful treatment of oral cancer is dependent on the earliest diagnosis possible. Regular oral evaluations are important even when you have no symptoms. Please consider scheduling a dental exam, especially if you are concerned about any changes you have noticed in your mouth.
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/key-statistics.html accessed on 05/12/2026
The American Dental Association www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/oral-cancer accessed on 05/12/2026
Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html accessed on 05/12/2026
