Why Oral Cancer Screenings Should Be Part of Every Dental Visit
When I began my private practice nearly 30 years ago, I made it a priority to include an oral cancer screening in every adult exam—both for new patients and during routine check-ups. This proactive approach is essential because oral cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. A quick screening can catch issues before they become serious, potentially saving lives.
Key Risk Factors for Oral Cancer You Should Know
Several well-established risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Age, especially over 40
- Tobacco use in all forms (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of cancer
Patients with a combination of these risk factors are at especially high risk. Recognizing and managing these risks with your dental provider is a crucial part of preventive care.
HPV: The Rising Risk Factor for Oral Cancer
A newer but now widely recognized risk factor for oral cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)—a common sexually transmitted infection. Recent research suggests that HPV-related oral cancers are on the rise and could surpass tobacco-related cases within a decade if current trends continue.
This development means that anyone old enough to be sexually active—including young adults and teens—may be at risk. Parents should be aware of this shift and encourage not only safer choices but also regular dental visits for their children.
The Role of Dentists in Early Detection of Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation emphasizes that after public awareness, the dental community plays the most critical role in early detection. Over the years, I’ve referred several patients to oral surgeons for follow-ups on suspicious spots or lesions. Thankfully, most of those cases turned out to be benign—but a few were not. In those cases, early detection made all the difference in outcomes.
How Regular Dental Exams Help Save Lives
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, approximately 60,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and 12,750 will die from it. These are not rare numbers – and they reflect a very real health threat.
The solution? Regular dental exams, ideally once a year or more often for those at risk. These visits allow your dentist to perform a visual and physical exam for signs of oral cancer, giving you the best chance at early intervention and effective treatment.
This blog was written by the team at Bucks County Dental Design. We are your home for all general and cosmetic dentistry needs, including routine care, fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, whitening and more! In practice since 1984, Dr. Mike Spadafora Sr. and Dr. Mike Spadafora Jr. are your local Richboro dentists that you can trust. We are here if you need us!
NS – Updated ACS statistics 3.10.2
