Preventative Dentistry

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by our dentist to look for the signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth, and examine your lips to look for abnormalities — such as areas of irritation, sores and white patches (leukoplakia). Its goal is to identify if there is a greater chance for a cure, where cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured.

Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• 1. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, among others.
• 2. Heavy alcohol use.
• 3. Previous oral cancer diagnosis.
• 4. History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer.