Screening for Oral Cancer

No one wants to get cancer. As a part of preventative dentistry, the team members at Hoodview Dental routinely check for signs of potentially cancerous growths. All exams include an oral cancer screening. By having regular check-ups dental professionals can more easily identify changes, irregularities, or abnormalities. 

An oral cancer screening is absolutely pain-free. When examining a patient, dental professionals look closely at the roof and floor of the mouth, tongue, face, throat, jaw, soft tissues, lips, and neck of the patient. If anything is noted, you are informed and we may suggest further testing or recommend a specialist. Hoodview Dental works with the best professionals in Gresham, Damascus, Troutdale, Fairview, Portland, and the surrounding areas. 

Be sure to let our dental technicians know if you have been experiencing any of the following:

– Sore throat or pain in the mouth that persists 

– Pain or swelling in the jaw

– Red or white patch on the tongue, gums, tonsils, or skin inside the mouth

– Leason in the mouth or on the lips that won’t heal 

– Persistent feeling that something is stuck in your throat

– Ear pain

– Changes in your voice

– Weight loss

– Difficulty swallowing or chewing

– Toothache

– Loose teeth

– Numbness in the mouth including the tongue, gums, or lips

– Trouble with tongue or jaw movement

– Dentures that become uncomfortable or start to no longer fit properly 

While these can be signs of oral, oropharyngeal, or other cancers, that does not necessarily mean you are in danger. There might be a different disease that is not cancerous or no disease at all that is causing some of the above issues. Even if it turns out to be something benign, it is still very important to see a medical professional if any of the above symptoms last for more than 2 weeks. 

At Hoodview Dental we take extra care to meticulously examine your mouth and throat for any signs of oral cancer. We want you to stay healthy and have great oral hygiene. If you floss and brush twice a day – especially after eating – and continue to have regular dental check-ups, we should be able to help keep you on a healthy path for long-term oral health.