Oral cancer often develops quietly. In its early stages, it may not cause pain or obvious symptoms, which is why many people don’t realize something is wrong until it’s advanced. This makes early detection critical — and dentists play a key role in spotting warning signs during routine check-ups.
Dentists are trained to look for small changes that patients might overlook. Warning signs include:
Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco are among the biggest risk factors.
Heavy drinking, especially when combined with tobacco use, significantly raises the risk.
Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, are linked to cancers of the throat and tongue.
Oral cancer is more common in people over 40 and slightly more common in men.
Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips.
At every check-up, dentists do more than check for cavities. They also perform an oral cancer screening, which may include:
If something suspicious is found, your dentist may monitor the area or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy.
Biopsy for Definitive Diagnosis
If your dentist spots a suspicious area that doesn't resolve itself or looks concerning, the next step for a definitive diagnosis is often a biopsy. A biopsy is a quick, minimally invasive, and usually painless procedure where the dentist or a specialist gently harvests a very small sample—often measured in just a few millimeters—from the potentially affected tissue. This small sample is then sent to a lab for microscopic analysis. It is the only reliable way to determine if the cells are cancerous, and it is a crucial, high-priority step if a potential threat is identified.
You should schedule a dental visit right away if you notice:
Not always. Many early cases cause no pain, which is why regular check-ups are important.
2. Can a dentist detect oral cancer during a routine visit?Yes. Dentists are trained to look for early signs and may refer you for further testing if needed.
3. What is the most common location for oral cancer?The tongue, lips, and the floor of the mouth are the most common sites.
4. How often should I have an oral cancer screening?Every dental check-up includes a screening, so visiting your dentist twice a year helps.
5. Does HPV always cause oral cancer?No, but certain HPV strains increase the risk. Not everyone with HPV develops cancer.
6. What age group is most affected by oral cancer?It’s most common in adults over 40, but younger people with HPV can also be affected.
7. Can poor oral hygiene cause oral cancer?Poor hygiene alone doesn’t cause it, but chronic irritation from plaque and gum disease can contribute to risk.
8. Are mouth ulcers always a sign of oral cancer?No. Most ulcers are harmless, but any sore lasting more than 2 weeks should be checked.
9. How is oral cancer treated?Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination, depending on the stage.
10. Can oral cancer be prevented completely?Not completely, but avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and attending regular dental screenings greatly reduce the risk.
Oral cancer may start silently, but early detection makes a big difference in treatment and recovery. Dentists are on the front line of identifying these signs, often before patients notice them.
If you spot unusual changes in your mouth, don’t wait — schedule a check-up at TAG Dental Clinic Johor Bahru for a thorough evaluation. Protecting your smile could also mean protecting your life.