A Simple, Routine Check as Part of Your Dental Care
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual and physical examination of your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, carried out by your dentist to check for anything unusual. It’s a routine part of good dental care, and most findings during a screening turn out to have simple, non-cancerous explanations.
At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, we include an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental check-up, and we’re always happy to talk through any concerns you have about your oral health.
Due for a Check-Up or Have a Concern?
0207 250 3536 (City Road) | 0208 362 3110 (Enfield)
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
During a screening, your dentist examines the soft tissues of your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth, along with your neck and jaw. They are looking for anything that looks unusual, such as changes in colour or texture, that may need further investigation.
It’s important to understand that screening is a check for signs that may need further investigation, rather than a diagnosis. If your dentist notices anything of concern, the next step is usually a referral for further assessment, rather than a diagnosis being made at your dental appointment.
Who Should Have Oral Cancer Screening?
A visual screening is generally included as part of everyone’s routine dental check-up, regardless of individual risk factors. Some things are associated with a higher likelihood of oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Regularly drinking alcohol above recommended guidelines
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- A family or personal history of cancer
Having one or more of these factors doesn’t mean you will develop oral cancer, and screening is valuable for everyone, not just those with known risk factors. Your dentist can talk through your individual circumstances with you.
Changes Worth Having Checked
Most mouth ulcers, sore patches, or lumps have simple, common causes and heal on their own. However, it’s worth having anything checked by your dentist if it doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks, particularly:
- A mouth ulcer or sore that hasn’t healed within two to three weeks
- A red or white patch inside the mouth that persists
- A lump or thickened area in the mouth, lip, or neck
- Persistent difficulty or discomfort when swallowing or chewing
- A tooth that becomes loose without an obvious dental cause
- Numbness or persistent pain in the mouth without a clear cause
It’s natural to feel concerned if you notice any of these changes, but please remember that most have straightforward, non-cancerous explanations, such as minor injury or infection. The best step is simply to have it checked by your dentist rather than worrying alone.
What Happens During Your Screening
Step 1: Discussing your history
Your dentist will ask about your general health, any symptoms you’ve noticed, and relevant lifestyle factors.
Step 2: Visual examination
Your dentist looks at your lips, gums, tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth for anything unusual.
Step 3: Physical examination
Your dentist may gently feel your jaw, neck, and the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or areas of concern.
Step 4: Discussing the findings
Your dentist will let you know the outcome of your screening. If nothing of concern is found, this will simply be noted as part of your regular check-up.
Step 5: Referral if needed
If anything needs further assessment, your dentist will explain why and arrange an appropriate referral, usually to a specialist, for further investigation.
Benefits of Regular Oral Cancer Screening
Routine screening as part of your dental check-up may help:
- Identify unusual changes in your mouth early, when they can be easier to investigate
- Provide reassurance where changes have a simple, non-cancerous explanation
- Support timely referral for further assessment where needed
- Give you the opportunity to raise any concerns about your oral health with your dentist
Screening is one part of looking after your overall oral health, alongside regular check-ups, good oral hygiene, and being aware of any changes in your mouth between visits.
Cost of Oral Cancer Screening
A visual oral cancer screening is generally included as part of your routine dental check-up at Dental Arts Studio, rather than charged as a separate treatment.
Check-up fees
We provide clear costs for your check-up appointment before you attend, so you know what to expect.
Further investigation
If a referral for further assessment is needed, any related costs would depend on the pathway recommended, which your dentist can explain.
Want to Book a Check-Up?
0207 250 3536 | 0208 362 3110
Looking After Your Oral Health Between Visits
A few simple habits can support your overall oral health alongside regular screening.
- Attend regular dental check-ups — This ensures screening happens consistently, generally every six months or as advised.
- Get to know what’s normal for you — This makes it easier to notice if something changes.
- Consider lifestyle factors — Reducing tobacco and alcohol use can help support your overall health.
- Don’t wait for your next check-up if something concerns you — Contact us if you notice a change that doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks.
- Feel free to ask questions — Our team is happy to talk through any concerns you have about your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. Screening is a simple visual and physical examination, and most patients find it comfortable and quick, similar to the rest of a routine dental check-up.
Will I always be told if something unusual is found?
Yes, your dentist will always explain what they’ve found and what the recommended next step is, whether that’s simply monitoring it, or a referral for further assessment.
Does finding something unusual mean I have cancer?
No. Most unusual findings, such as ulcers, patches, or lumps, have simple and common causes that are not cancer. Screening identifies things that may need further investigation, and a referral is about ruling things out and getting a proper diagnosis, not a diagnosis in itself.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
This is generally carried out as part of your routine dental check-up, typically every six months or as recommended by your dentist based on your individual circumstances.
What happens if I need a referral?
Your dentist will explain why a referral is being made and arrange this for you, usually to a specialist for further assessment. This is a precautionary step to investigate findings properly.
Is oral cancer screening only necessary if I smoke or drink alcohol?
No. While these are recognised risk factors, oral cancer screening is a routine part of dental care for everyone, as changes can occur regardless of lifestyle factors.
What should I do if I notice something between check-ups?
Contact us rather than waiting for your next appointment, particularly if a change such as an ulcer, lump, or patch hasn’t improved within two to three weeks.
Book Your Check-Up and Screening Today
Regular dental check-ups, including a routine oral cancer screening, are a simple way to look after your oral health. If you have any concerns or notice a change in your mouth, please get in touch — we’re here to help.
Alongside standard private dentist appointments, we offer weekend, Saturday, and late night availability for patients in Enfield, and support corporate dental care and lunchtime dental checkups for those visiting us from City Road and Old Street, with same day appointments where possible.
Speak to Our Team
0207 250 3536 (City Road) | 0208 362 3110 (Enfield)
For further information, contact us.
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