Every time you settle into the dental chair at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, one of the first things your dentist does is check for oral cancer, often before you even mention a concern. Most patients never notice it happening. The exam takes a couple of minutes, and it can catch a disease years before you would feel anything wrong. Here is what the exam looks for, who should pay attention and why it belongs in your routine dental care.
What Is Oral Cancer and Why Is Screening Important?
Oral cancer is any cancer that starts in the mouth or the throat behind it. It can appear on the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor of the mouth or the soft tissue at the back of the throat. When found early, the outlook is good, but as it spreads, it gets harder to treat.
The American Cancer Society reports that people whose oral cancer is still confined to one spot have a far higher five-year survival rate than those whose cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. A screening is a short exam with no needles and no recovery time, and it is the main way these cancers get caught early.
Who Is the Most at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some patients carry a higher risk than others.
Tobacco and Alcohol Users
Smoking, chewing tobacco and heavy drinking are the most established risk factors. Using tobacco and alcohol together raises the risk more than either one alone, because alcohol lets the tissue absorb tobacco chemicals more easily.
HPV and Why Risk Is Shifting Toward Younger, Non-Smoking Patients
For decades, oral cancer was mostly a smoker’s disease. However, today, human papillomavirus (HPV), the same common virus tied to cervical cancer, is now causing a larger share of throat cancers in younger adults who have never smoked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention links HPV to about 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. This is why your dentist checks your throat even if you have never touched a cigarette.
Age, Sun Exposure and Lip Cancer Risk
Risk rises with age, and most cases are found in adults over 40. Years of sun exposure also raise the risk of cancer on the lower lip, which is why we recommend SPF lip balm for outdoor workers.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore Between Visits
- A Sore That Does Not Heal: A mouth sore that stays for more than two weeks should be looked at.
- White or Red Patches Inside the Mouth: These patches can signal early changes long before any pain starts.
- A Lump or Thickening in the Cheek or Neck: A new lump, even a painless one, is worth a professional look.
- Numbness or Persistent Pain Without a Clear Cause: Unexplained numbness in the mouth, lips or face is always something to report.
- Difficulty Chewing, Swallowing or Moving the Jaw: Trouble with normal jaw or tongue movement should not be brushed off as aging.
- Chronic Hoarseness or a Sore Throat That Will Not Resolve: Oral cancer signs can reach past the mouth into the throat and voice.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening at Southside Medical Center
The Visual Examination of the Mouth, Tongue and Throat
Your dentist looks over your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and the back of your throat for red or white patches, sores or color changes. You may be asked to stick out your tongue or say “ahh” so the whole area is visible.
The Physical Examination of the Head, Neck and Jaw
Your provider gently feels your neck, jaw and the floor of your mouth for lumps or tender spots. During a routine cleaning at Southside Medical Center, our providers already examine your throat, tongue, neck, head and face for swelling or anything unusual, so this step is built into the care you already receive.
What Happens If Something Unusual Is Found
Finding a spot does not mean you have cancer. Most patches and sores turn out to be harmless. If something needs a closer look, your dentist will track it over a couple of weeks or refer you for further testing. Because we bring dental, primary care and behavioral health together under one roof, your dentist can coordinate that follow-up with the rest of your care team.
How Often Should You Be Screened for Oral Cancer?
For most adults, a screening at each regular dental visit is enough. If you smoke, drink heavily or have had oral cancer before, your provider may check more often. Keeping the twice-yearly cleaning schedule most dentists recommend means your mouth gets checked regularly without having to schedule any extra appointments. You can review visit timing and hours on our dental services page.
Common Myths About Oral Cancer That Put Patients at Risk
- The Myth That Only Smokers Get Oral Cancer: Smoking raises risk, but plenty of patients who have never smoked develop oral cancer. You should never skip screenings because you do not smoke.
- The Myth That Screenings Are Only Necessary for Older Adults: Risk climbs with age, yet HPV-related cancers are showing up in young adults in their 30s and 40s. Younger patients benefit from the same routine check.
- The Myth That It Would Hurt or Be Obvious If Something Were Wrong: Early oral cancer is often painless and easy to miss. By the time it hurts, it may have grown, so your provider will check even if you feel fine.
Why Screening at Southside Medical Center Makes a Difference
Southside Medical Center has served metro Atlanta families for nearly 60 years, and it is one of Georgia’s oldest and largest community health centers. As a federally qualified health center, we care for every patient regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Our dental services are available to men, women and children at our Atlanta, DeKalb County, East Point and Griffin locations. Your dental team works alongside primary care and other providers.
Taking the Next Step for Your Oral Health
An oral cancer screening asks almost nothing of you and can catch a serious disease at its most treatable stage. If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, now is a good time to schedule a routine appointment. Call Southside Medical Center at 404-688-1350 or contact us online to book your appointment in Atlanta.