Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Oral Cancer Screening in London, Ontario
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor and roof of the mouth, and the throat. Early on it often causes no pain and can look like an ordinary sore or patch, which is why it’s easy to miss. When it’s found early, treatment is simpler and much more likely to be successful.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we check for signs of oral cancer at every check-up. It takes a few minutes, doesn’t hurt, and needs no special appointment.
How we screen
A visual and physical exam
We look closely at your lips, the inside of your cheeks, your gums, the top, sides and underside of your tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. We gently feel your jaw, under your chin and the sides of your neck for lumps or swollen lymph nodes.
Goccles® glasses
We also use Goccles® (Glasses for Oral Cancer CELl Screening). These are special glasses worn by the dental team that, used with a standard dental curing light, help us see changes in the lining of the mouth that may not be visible to the naked eye. Areas that look different under the light can be checked more closely.
The light is safe, painless and quick, and nothing touches you.
What we look for
- red or white patches that don’t wipe away
- a sore or ulcer that hasn’t healed in about two weeks
- a lump, thickening or rough area
- areas that bleed easily
- changes in an area we’ve noted before
Most findings turn out to be harmless, such as a bite injury, an irritated spot from a sharp tooth or a common sore. If something looks unusual, we’ll usually check it again in two weeks. If it’s still there, we’ll refer you for a biopsy so a specialist can find out exactly what it is.
Signs to watch for between visits
Call us if you notice any of these for more than two weeks:
- a mouth sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal
- a red or white patch in your mouth
- a lump in your mouth, lip or neck
- pain, numbness or tenderness anywhere in the mouth or lips
- trouble chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw
- a sore throat or hoarseness that won’t go away
- a change in how your teeth or dentures fit
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but risk is higher with:
- tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and chewing tobacco
- heavy alcohol use, especially combined with tobacco
- HPV infection, linked to cancers at the back of the throat, including in younger non-smokers
- sun exposure to the lips
- age, with risk rising after 40
- a previous oral cancer
Reducing tobacco and alcohol use and protecting your lips from the sun all lower your risk. If you’d like help quitting smoking, ask us; we can point you to support.
Why regular check-ups matter
Because early oral cancer is usually painless, a routine screening may be the only way it’s found early. Seeing a dentist regularly, even when nothing hurts, gives us the chance to notice changes from one visit to the next. Denture wearers should still have their mouths checked regularly, even without natural teeth.
Cost and coverage
The screening is part of your regular dental exam, so there’s no separate fee. Exams are covered by most insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Book your check-up
Due for a check-up, or worried about a sore that won’t heal? Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.