SERVICES

Raleigh
Oral Cancer Screenings

Thorough, thoughtful oral cancer screenings are part of the personalized care Dr. Allen and team provide at Creedmoor Road.

What types of cancer can form in the mouth?

Mouth cancer can develop in several parts of the mouth. Conditions include inner cheek cancer, gum cancer, tongue cancer, and cancers of the floor or roof of the mouth. In some cases, cancer can also be found in the throat (throat cancer).

Oral dysplasia, which is abnormal cell growth, sometimes develops before cancer forms. This might appear as changes to the soft tissue of the mouth. There are some other early warning signs, including leukoplakia (white patches) and erythroplakia (red patches). These should be professionally examined by a dentist to develop a deeper understanding of your condition.

It’s important to remember that not every irregularity is serious or related to cancer, but monitoring changes to your mouth tissue is an essential aspect of good oral health. If you have oral lesions, oral ulcers, or a persistent mouth sore, your dentist can help get to the bottom of it.

Detect oral cancer & precancerous lesions early

Early detection is critical for successfully treating oral cancer. That’s why oral cancer screenings are a routine part of your dental exam at Creedmoor Road General Dentistry.

During your visit, we perform a careful oral cancer exam, checking the tongue, gums, cheeks, and other soft tissues for any unusual lumps, oral lesions, or areas of concern. We’re looking for subtle changes, including things that may not be painful or noticeable yet but are important to catch early. Oral cancer screenings are quick, non-invasive, and can provide valuable peace of mind while protecting your long-term health.

What are oral cancer risk factors?

Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, certain factors can increase your risk:

Tobacco use (smoking or chewing tobacco)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
Age, particularly over 40
A personal or family history of oral cancer
Ongoing irritation in the mouth (such as from rough teeth or dental appliances)

Even with risk factors, it’s important to remember that early detection and regular screenings can make a big difference in outcomes.

What to look for & when to book an exam

Oral cancer screenings should be a part of your dental care, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. Many signs are small or painless, but your dentist can easily identify subtle changes to the tissues in your mouth.

The following symptoms call for an exam:

A persistent mouth sore or oral ulcer that doesn’t heal
A lump in the mouth, cheek, or gum
Red or white patches (erythroplakia or leukoplakia)
Numbness in the mouth or tongue
Ongoing pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing

If something feels off, it’s always wise to have it checked. Most findings are harmless, but it’s always best to be proactive with health matters.

Prioritize Your Health With Routine Oral Cancer Screenings

A quick, gentle exam can provide peace of mind and catch concerns early. Schedule your screening with our North Raleigh team today.

About Creedmoor Road General Dentistry & Dr. Allen

At Creedmoor Road General Dentistry, your health and comfort come first. Dr. Allen and his care team are known for their judgment-free, gentle approach to personalized dental care that restores both smiles and confidence.

We take the time to build real, long-term relationships with our patients, who end up becoming like close friends and family to us. Our specialty is making dental care accessible and even enjoyable, because we know if people look forward to their visits, their health will reap the rewards.

Can a dentist diagnose oral cancer?

A dentist can identify signs and symptoms of oral cancer during a routine oral cancer screening. If they find anything unusual, whether it’s a lump, bump, or discoloration, a dentist can recommend further evaluation or refer you to a specialist. Even before symptoms are noticeable, an oral cancer screening can catch potential concerns early.

Are all white or red spots in the mouth a sign of cancer?

No, all white or red spots in the mouth are not signs of cancer. White patches (leukoplakia) and red patches (erythroplakia) can have a range of causes. At the same time, they should never be ignored. Early screening of spots can help rule out serious conditions or ensure the proper treatment is sought, restoring your peace of mind.

What are the biggest indicators of oral cancer?

Some of the most common warning signs of oral cancer include persistent mouth sores, lumps in the mouth or neck, red or white patches, numbness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and ongoing pain in the mouth or throat.