Key Takeaways
- Over 1,000 Ontarians are diagnosed with oral or throat cancer each year—early detection is critical for successful treatment.
- Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and potentially lifesaving.
- Risk factors include tobacco or alcohol use, HPV, age (especially men over 45), sun exposure, and family history.
- Common symptoms may go unnoticed, making regular dental checkups vital for identifying subtle tissue changes.
- When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of over 80%—underscoring the importance of proactive care.
Though patients frequently ignore it, oral cancer is among the most severe diseases your dentist is trained to identify. Every year, over 1,000 Ontarians are found to have throat or oral cancer. Early identification is essential.
If you fall into a higher-risk group or show early indications, Dawson Dental incorporates oral cancer checks into your regular exam. Screenings are quick, easy, and can find changes long before symptoms show.
Oral cancer is very curable if caught early. That’s why screenings are lifesaving, not only routine.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer damages throat and mouth tissues. Among the most prevalent are:
- Oral cavity cancer: Found in the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor or roof of the mouth.
- Oropharyngeal cancer: impacts the throat, soft palate, back of the tongue, and tonsils.
The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that every year about 5,400 new cases of oral cancer appear around the country. In Ontario, we are seeing higher rates from ongoing tobacco and alcohol use, aging population, and HPV.During regular checkups, dentists are trained to spot minute changes in soft tissue. Early detection of oral cancer makes treatment easier and results much better.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Who’s at risk?
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV-positive individuals, especially with HPV-16
- Men over 45
- Sun exposure, particularly affecting the lips
- Family history of cancer
- Poor diet and compromised immunity
Symptoms to look out for:
- Mouth sores lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lumps in the neck or jaw area
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Numbness in the tongue or lips
- Pain when swallowing or chewing
Often, these symptoms go unnoticed, thus regular dental professional screenings are absolutely vital. Ontario dentists are educated to spot early-stage changes and start referrals as required.
The Role of Dentists in Early Detection
Often, dentists are the first to see oral cancer symptoms or signs. Our check-up includes thorough oral soft tissue exams, which explains this. Dawson Dental uses a regular screening procedure for patients over 40 or those with risk factors.
During your dental screening in Ontario, we inspect:
- The inside of the lips and cheeks
- The floor and roof of the mouth
- The tongue (top and underside)
- The tonsillar area and back of the throat
- The lymph nodes in the neck and jaw
If we spot any lesions or changes, we take detailed clinical notes, monitor over time, or refer directly for a biopsy. Ontario’s dental system allows for seamless specialist referrals, and in many cases, OHIP covers diagnostics once a referral is made.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
A screening is fast and non-invasive. It includes:
- Visual exam of all soft tissues in and around the mouth
- Palpation of the neck and jaw to detect swelling or lumps
- Optional adjunctive tools, like fluorescence-based devices (e.g., VELscope®), used in some Dawson Dental clinics to enhance detection
No needles, no pain, no recovery needed. Most patients don’t realize how simple the process is until they’ve had one.
If there’s something unusual, we’ll monitor it or refer you for further testing. You’ll leave knowing exactly what we saw and what the next steps are—if any.
Benefits of Regular Screenings
Early detection saves lives.
When oral cancer is caught in stage I or II, five-year survival rates exceed 80%. Past stage III, those numbers drop sharply.
Screenings provide:
- Early identification of abnormalities
- Less invasive and more successful treatment
- Peace of mind for patients with known risk factors
- Consistent documentation over time (key for tracking slow changes)
Our Dawson Dental teams don’t just check your teeth—we assess your overall oral health, including risks that go far beyond decay and gum disease.
Dawson Dental’s Commitment to Oral Health
We’ve integrated oral cancer screenings into standard patient care where appropriate. All Dawson Dental clinicians are trained in early detection protocols.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Soft-tissue exams included in routine appointments for at-risk patients
- Use of adjunctive tools for enhanced screening when needed
- Fast, coordinated specialist referrals through Ontario’s healthcare system
- Clear patient communication and follow-up
We believe prevention is the best treatment. It’s why we don’t skip steps—and why patients trust us.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health
If you’re over 40, smoke, drink regularly, or haven’t had an oral cancer screening before, now is the time.
A five-minute check could save your life.
Book a consultation with Dawson Dental today. With clinics across Ontario and teams trained in early detection, we’re here to protect your health—not just your smile.