Oral cancer screenings – a potentially life-saving service at the dentist’s office
Almost 60,000 people were diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers in 2025. Put another way, each day of the calendar year, 165 fellow Americans discover they have this deadly cancer. Fortunately, this diagnosis doesn’t have to be in your future, nor does it have to be deadly!
At Ocean Shore Dentistry, our goal is to get to know you and to become a trusted health partner. From our office in Ocean Township, New Jersey, Dr. Ravi Shah works with you to minimize risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Screenings are done regularly.
How often will I need a screening?
The frequency of visits depends on your risk of developing pre-cancers or cancers of the tongue, the mucosal lining, the back of the mouth, and other locations. These screenings are generally performed during regular dental checkups. Dr. Shah refers to our checkups as “comprehensive” because they do not involve just examining the condition of the teeth and gums. He also assesses for changes in the oral and facial tissues that surround your teeth and gums.
Am I at risk?
At each checkup, we discuss changes in your health and habits that could affect the health of your mouth. You may be more likely to develop these cancers if you have or do the following, which are all known risk factors:
- Smoke
- Use other tobacco products
- Vape (nicotine alternatives still contain dangerous carcinogens associated with cancer risk)
- Medical history of cancers (oro-pharynx, cervical, esophageal, lung)
- Primary family members (parents, children, siblings) with a diagnosis of SCCs (Squamous Cell Carcinomas) of the head and/or neck
- Inadequate protection from UV light (for lip cancers)
- Pre-existing disease, which weakens the immune system
- Deficiencies in nutrients, such as carotenoids, commonly found in fruits and veggies
- Chronic infections of the mouth and lichen planus (characterized by itchy, discolored bumps)
Importantly, oral and immune system problems increase the risk of developing a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a risk factor for oral cancerous lesions among individuals who do not smoke or use other nicotine-containing products, and who do not drink alcohol in excess.
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Can I get my oral cancer screening in a single appointment?
Yes. An oral cancer screening is typically completed during a single dental visit and is often part of your comprehensive exam. Dr. Ravi Shah examines the tissues of your mouth, tongue, lips, throat, head, and neck for any unusual changes or abnormalities. If further evaluation or testing is needed, additional recommendations may be provided. The screening itself is quick, comfortable, and usually completed during your routine checkup.
How do you screen?
Dentists like Dr. Shah are often on the front lines of pinpointing pre-cancers and cancerous growth on the lips, gummy tissues, and other areas of the mouth. During regular checkups, our team visually inspects as well as “palpates” (checks by touch) for any abnormalities, such as patches of discoloration, sores, bumps, and facial drooping. It is also important to raise the red flag if you notice any changes to your speech, swallowing, and chewing. For instance, these cancers are associated with chronic hoarseness, dysphagia (trouble swallowing), sore throats, and a feeling like something is “stuck” in the throat.
Even if we find something that warrants further investigation, it is important to note that oral cancer is not unlike other cancers; when detected early in the process, before the cancer has metastasized or spread, there is a very high rate of successfully treating the tumor. Since early detection matters so much, it is important to get into a healthy habit of regular checkups. Ocean Shore Dentistry has made it easy and affordable to keep up with these vital visits. We offer convenient and flexible scheduling, as well as a money-saving, in-house membership program. Be sure to ask about it when you call our office in Ocean Township, NJ, today – (732) 466-3966.
