Oral Cancer Screening in Alliston, ON

Oral cancer is often painless and hard to detect in its early stages—but with regular screenings, we can catch problems before they become serious. At Family Dental Care Alliston, we include quick, non-invasive oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkup. Book your next visit today.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Matters

Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and roof or floor of the mouth. While it can develop in anyone, early detection significantly improves outcomes.

We offer regular screenings because:

Oral cancer often shows no symptoms at first
Many signs can be mistaken for other minor issues
Early detection allows for faster, more effective treatment
Screenings are painless and only take a few minutes

Think of it as one more way we help protect your total health—not just your teeth.

What to Expect During a Screening

Oral cancer screening is quick, comfortable, and included as part of your routine dental exam. Here’s what we do:

Visual Examination

We’ll check your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any unusual spots, patches, or lesions. We’re looking for early signs such as:

White or red patches
Lumps or thickened tissue
Sores that don’t heal
Unexplained bleeding or numbness
Changes in how your dentures fit

Gentle Palpation

We may gently feel your neck and jaw area to check for swelling, lumps, or tender spots.

If we notice anything concerning, we’ll explain the next steps and refer you to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation.

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone should receive regular oral cancer screenings—but the risk increases with:

Age (40+)
Tobacco or cannabis use
Heavy alcohol use
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) exposure
A family history of cancer
Excessive sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)

Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk category, we still recommend screenings as part of your complete preventive dental care.

How Often Should I Be Screened?

We include an oral cancer screening at your routine checkup every 6 months. If you have a higher risk, we may recommend more frequent exams.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early—but many cases go undetected until advanced stages. By including regular screenings in your dental care, we’re helping protect more than just your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a screening take?

Just a few minutes. It’s a routine part of your dental exam and doesn’t require any special preparation.

Is oral cancer screening hurt?

Not at all. It’s quick, non-invasive, and completely painless. Most patients don’t even realize it’s happening during their checkup.

What if you find something?

If we notice anything unusual, we’ll discuss it with you right away and refer you for further testing if needed. Most findings are harmless—but it’s always better to check.