Identify Problematic Signs Early with an Oral Cancer Screening

Regular screening for oral cancer can save lives by identifying issues before they escalate. Jersey City Dental uses ViziLite® technology to detect potentially cancerous growths early on. An oral cancer screening can be performed as part of your regular dental exam at our Jersey City, NJ, practice. Patients diagnosed with the early stages of oral cancer have an 80 to 90% chance of making a full recovery, which is why our doctors place such great importance on preventive care.

Why Routine Oral Cancer Screenings Are Important

Oral cancer affects the soft tissues and lining inside of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, throat, and salivary glands. In fact, most head and neck cancers have been linked to oral cancer. About 50,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with oral cancer. Of those, only 56 percent will survive past five years, due to the high mortality rate of oral cancer. However, if the signs are detected early and treatment is sought immediately, patients have a much greater chance of avoiding extensive medical treatments and making a full recovery.
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Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, throat, and salivary glands.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

The doctors at Jersey City Dental place a high priority on routine oral cancer screenings. Your oral cancer screening will only take a few minutes and can be administered as part of your six-month dental examination. This service can help protect both your oral and overall physical health. During the evaluation, the doctor will physically check your head, neck, and face for lumps or abnormalities. After rinsing with a special rinse, the doctor will examine the inside of your mouth using ViziLite® technology.

When signs are detected early and treatment is sought immediately, patients have a much greater chance of avoiding medical treatments and making a full recovery.
This cutting edge technology scans the soft tissue inside your mouth by emitting a special fluorescent light. While tissue that is healthy will absorb the light and appear dark, unhealthy tissue will appear white, immediately alerting the doctor of a problem. ViziLite® has revolutionized the way oral cancer is detected by identifying the earliest signs invisible to the naked eye. If problem areas are found, the doctor may recommend that you visit a specialist for further testing.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

The biggest risk factor for oral cancer is smoking or using any other forms of tobacco. Although patients over the age of 40 are more at risk, there has been a rise in the number of oral cancer diagnoses in patients in their 20s and 30s due to human papillomavirus (HPV).

You may also be at risk if you:

  • Drink alcohol heavily
  • Are exposed to high levels of UV rays
  • Maintain an unhealthy diet low in fruits and vegetables
  • Have a family history of oral cancer

While these factors can certainly place you at risk, anyone is susceptible, which is why oral cancer screenings should be considered as part of your preventive dental care plan. 

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Knowing the signs of oral cancer can help save your life. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, and they persist for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with us immediately.
  • Bleeding and painful mouth sores
  • White or red lesions on your lips, tongue, or inside your mouth
  • Sore throat or the feeling you have a lump in your throat
  • Hoarseness
  • Numbness or swelling inside your mouth
  • Significant weight loss
  • Jaw pain
  • Pain when chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  • Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures

Protect Your Oral Health

Patients can help protect their oral and overall health by undergoing an oral cancer screening at Jersey City Dental. To schedule your next appointment, contact us online or call our office at (201) 332-0403.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are oral cancer screenings important?
Oral cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings essential. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
During the screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, head, neck, and face for any abnormalities, such as lumps, sores, or discoloration. Advanced tools, such as specialized lights, may also be used to detect changes that are not visible to the naked eye.
How long does an oral cancer screening take?
An oral cancer screening typically takes only a few minutes and is often included as part of a routine dental exam.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Common risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure, and poor nutrition. While these factors may increase risk, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why regular screenings are recommended.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Signs may include persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, lumps, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or unexplained pain. If these symptoms last longer than two weeks, a dental evaluation is recommended.
What happens if something unusual is found?
If any suspicious areas are identified, your dentist may recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for a more detailed evaluation. Early follow-up care is important for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screenings are typically performed during routine dental visits, usually every six months. Patients with higher risk factors may require more frequent evaluations based on their individual needs.
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Jersey City Dental

Our compassionate team of dental professionals believes in providing conservative care in a comfortable and pleasant environment. Our dentists are affiliated with many esteemed organizations:
  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Schedule an appointment at our Jersey City, NJ, practice online or by calling (201) 332-0403.