Sparta Dental Associates - Sparta

Oral Cancer Screening in Sparta

Detecting oral cancer early—whether in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat—is key to improving treatment outcomes, so it’s important to recognize the signs and understand your risks.
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The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, and early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. While the risk is higher for individuals over 45, anyone should consider an oral cancer screening if they experience any of these symptoms:

  • Discolored patches in the mouth or on the lips, including white or dark red areas
  • Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
  • Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
  • Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing

The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, including:

  • Smoking or using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
  • Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • A poor diet or eating habits
  • Family history of oral cancer
  • Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than in women
  • A history of leukoplakia, a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer

Spotting Early Signs of Cancer

The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck to check for lumps or unusual textures.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If signs of cancer are found, additional tests like a biopsy or imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI) may be necessary. Treatment options, which vary based on the severity, type, and location of the cancer, could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

To reduce your risk of oral cancer, visit your dentist regularly for checkups, avoid tobacco products, drink alcohol responsibly, limit sun exposure and use UV-protective lip balms. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also beneficial. Be proactive by checking your mouth during daily brushing and flossing, and report any unusual changes to your dentist.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a good idea to ask for a screening during your regular dental exam. If you’ve noticed any discolored or textured patches, lumps, or suspicious sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to have them checked.

Your dentist will carefully examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth for any signs of cancer. They’ll also feel around for lumps or unusual textures and may check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any abnormalities.

To perform a self-check, wash your hands and stand in front of a mirror. Examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull up your upper lip and lower your bottom lip to check behind them. Use a piece of gauze or cotton pad to grip your tongue and check its sides and underside. Feel around your mouth for color changes, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If any sores haven’t healed within two weeks, contact your dentist.

Early-stage mouth cancer often appears as small, painless patches that may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can form anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof. If anything looks or feels unusual, it’s best to have it checked by a doctor or dentist.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Jason Boerner
1 week ago
Everyone was great! Polite, thorough, and carefully explained everything they were doing and what my plan looks like moving forward. A terrific experience! As a new patient, I am so happy to have found Sparta Dental Associates!
More
Leslie Acevedo
3 weeks ago
It was absolutely a great experience as a new patient. All staff are professional, knowledgeable and kind. Dr Emma really takes the time to talk with her patients. She asks questions, gives full explanations and opportunity to ask questions. The Xray tech makes sure she takes the best pictures possible. I also had my teeth cleaned, no pain afterwards. They took the time to give me a care plan, estimates and referrals. I am so glad my community recommended Sparta Dental so highly! I will definitely keep my appointments!!!
More
Lenny Ortiz
1 month ago
I can’t thank Chris from the long valley office at the front desk enough for her incredible help during my emergency dental visit. I was in severe pain due to TMJ, and she went above and beyond to get me in within just a few hours. From the moment I called, she was compassionate, efficient, and truly cared about getting me the care I needed as soon as possible. Thanks to her quick action, I was able to see the dentist and get relief the same day. Exceptional service and professionalism—Chris is a lifesaver! Highly recommend this office!
More
Glen Post
1 month ago
Had a great experience at Sparta Dental with Dr Emma who was gentle, professional, personable and very helpful in her explanation of my current dental issue and the options I have... explaining the pros and cons of each option. I am pretty dentist-averse and experiences like this will correct that!
More
Linda Willeford
2 months ago
I’ve been a patient at Sparta Dental Associates for over 50 years and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my smile! Dr. Emma, along with the entire staff are absolutely wonderful, kind, and professional! I always have such a positive experience at each appointment and look forward to going! People always compliment me on my smile and I owe it all to Sparta Dental Associates!
More
Jason Boerner
1 week ago
Everyone was great! Polite, thorough, and carefully explained everything they were doing and what my plan looks like moving forward. A terrific experience! As a new patient, I am so happy to have found Sparta Dental Associates!
More
Leslie Acevedo
3 weeks ago
It was absolutely a great experience as a new patient. All staff are professional, knowledgeable and kind. Dr Emma really takes the time to talk with her patients. She asks questions, gives full explanations and opportunity to ask questions. The Xray tech makes sure she takes the best pictures possible. I also had my teeth cleaned, no pain afterwards. They took the time to give me a care plan, estimates and referrals. I am so glad my community recommended Sparta Dental so highly! I will definitely keep my appointments!!!
More
Lenny Ortiz
1 month ago
I can’t thank Chris from the long valley office at the front desk enough for her incredible help during my emergency dental visit. I was in severe pain due to TMJ, and she went above and beyond to get me in within just a few hours. From the moment I called, she was compassionate, efficient, and truly cared about getting me the care I needed as soon as possible. Thanks to her quick action, I was able to see the dentist and get relief the same day. Exceptional service and professionalism—Chris is a lifesaver! Highly recommend this office!
More
Glen Post
1 month ago
Had a great experience at Sparta Dental with Dr Emma who was gentle, professional, personable and very helpful in her explanation of my current dental issue and the options I have... explaining the pros and cons of each option. I am pretty dentist-averse and experiences like this will correct that!
More
Linda Willeford
2 months ago
I’ve been a patient at Sparta Dental Associates for over 50 years and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my smile! Dr. Emma, along with the entire staff are absolutely wonderful, kind, and professional! I always have such a positive experience at each appointment and look forward to going! People always compliment me on my smile and I owe it all to Sparta Dental Associates!
More
Sparta Dental Associates - Sparta

Request an Appointment Today

Call 973-712-8910