Early Detection
Oral Cancer Screening
Included in every comprehensive exam. Takes less than a minute. And it can save your life.
Reviewed by Dr. Sang Kim, DMD — Updated April 2026
Why screening matters
Oral cancer affects roughly 54,000 Americans every year. When caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 80%. When caught late, it drops below 40%. The difference between those two numbers is a one-minute visual and tactile exam that your dentist can perform at every visit. At Bridgewater Dental Center, oral cancer screening is part of every comprehensive exam — not an add-on, not an upcharge.
What we check
- The tongue (top, bottom, and sides) — the most common site for oral cancers.
- The floor and roof of the mouth.
- The inner cheeks and lips.
- The gums, throat, and tonsil area.
- The jaw, neck, and lymph nodes — palpated externally for swelling or irregularities.
Dr. Kim looks for unusual patches (red, white, or mixed), lumps, thickened tissue, sores that don't heal within two weeks, and any other changes in your oral tissue. If something looks abnormal, we'll recommend a biopsy or specialist referral — but in most cases, what we find is completely benign.
Who is at risk?
- Tobacco users (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping).
- Heavy alcohol users — risk increases significantly when combined with tobacco.
- Patients with a history of HPV (human papillomavirus) — HPV-related oral cancers are rising, especially in younger adults.
- Patients with prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer).
- Anyone over 40 — though oral cancer rates in younger adults are increasing.
Even if you have no risk factors, screening is still important. Many oral cancers develop in patients with no identifiable risk.
What to watch for at home
- A sore in your mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks.
- A lump, thickening, or rough spot on your lip, gum, or inside your cheek.
- Unexplained numbness or pain in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
- A persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or the feeling that something is caught in your throat.
If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait for your next cleaning — call us at 540-443-2659. Early evaluation is always the right call.
Oral cancer screening is part of every general dentistryvisit at our Bridgewater office. It's included in your exam, covered by insurance, and available through the Virginia Dental Club membership plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral cancer screening included in my regular exam?+
Yes. At Bridgewater Dental Center, oral cancer screening is part of every comprehensive exam — no extra charge and no separate appointment needed.
What does an oral cancer screening feel like?+
It takes less than a minute. Dr. Kim visually inspects your tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and throat, then gently feels your jaw and neck for any swelling or irregularities. It's completely comfortable.
Who is most at risk for oral cancer?+
Tobacco users, heavy alcohol users, patients with HPV, and adults over 40 are at higher risk. However, oral cancer can develop in people with no known risk factors, which is why we screen every patient.
What happens if something looks abnormal?+
In most cases, findings are completely benign. If Dr. Kim sees something that needs a closer look, we'll recommend a biopsy or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation. Early detection makes all the difference.
How often should I be screened?+
We screen at every comprehensive exam, which for most patients means twice a year. If you have higher risk factors, Dr. Kim may recommend more frequent monitoring.
Can I do anything at home to check for oral cancer?+
Yes. Watch for sores that don't heal within two weeks, lumps or rough spots on your lips or gums, unexplained numbness, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent sore throat. If you notice anything unusual, call us right away at 540-443-2659.
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