Not a Smoker? You Might Still Be at Risk for Oral Cancer
Find out why anyone can benefit from regular screenings and how Granada Dental makes prevention simple.
Oral cancer is one of the most serious conditions your dentist can detect — but also one of the easiest to overlook. Many people assume it’s something that only affects tobacco users or heavy drinkers. But the truth is, oral cancer can develop in anyone, regardless of lifestyle.
At Granada Dental in Sherwood Park, we make oral cancer screenings part of your preventive care — fast, painless, and potentially life-saving. If you’ve never thought about getting screened before, now is the time to learn why this simple exam matters.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the mouth or surrounding tissues, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, gums, palate, and throat. Like many forms of cancer, it can be aggressive if not caught early — but highly treatable when detected in the early stages.
That’s why routine oral cancer screening is so important. It gives us a chance to spot abnormal changes before they become dangerous — often before symptoms even appear.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The short answer? Everyone.
While certain behaviours increase the risk of developing oral cancer — like tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure — a growing number of cases are now linked to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and genetic factors that affect otherwise healthy individuals.
Here’s a quick snapshot of who should consider regular screenings:
Adults over the age of 18
Individuals with a history of tobacco or alcohol use
Those with frequent sun exposure (especially to lips)
People with HPV or weakened immune systems
Anyone with a family history of cancer
Adults experiencing persistent mouth sores, hoarseness, or unexplained swelling
What Happens During a Screening?
Many patients are surprised to learn how quick and non-invasive the process is.
Here’s what a typical oral cancer screening at Granada Dental looks like:
Step 1: Visual Inspection
We check your face, neck, lips, and oral tissues for any visible abnormalities such as discoloration, lesions, or asymmetry.
Step 2: Tactile Examination
Using gloved hands, your dentist gently palpates (feels) the neck, jawline, and inside of your mouth for unusual lumps, thickening, or swelling.
Step 3: Further Testing if Needed
If anything suspicious is found, we may recommend a follow-up with a specialist or order additional diagnostic tests. Most findings turn out to be benign, but early detection is key.
Time required: Less than 5 minutes, usually done during your routine dental checkup.
Common Questions and Concerns
Is the Screening Painful?
Not at all. The entire exam is gentle and non-invasive. It’s performed chairside, with no poking, needles, or discomfort. Most patients don’t even realize it’s happening.
How Often Should I Get Screened?
For most adults, once a year is recommended — or every six months if you have higher risk factors. At Granada Dental, we include screenings during regular checkups for eligible patients.
What Are the Early Signs of Oral Cancer?
Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal
Lumps, thick patches, or rough spots inside the mouth
Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or cheeks
Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
A feeling of something stuck in your throat
Numbness or tenderness in the mouth or lips
Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, contact us right away.
Does Insurance Cover Oral Cancer Screening?
Yes — in most cases, oral cancer screenings are included as part of your routine dental exam under standard insurance coverage. We offer direct billing and will work with your provider to confirm benefits before your appointment.
Why Screenings Matter Even Without Symptoms
Oral cancer can progress silently, without causing pain or visible changes until it’s more advanced. That’s why routine screenings are so critical. By the time you notice a problem, it may already require aggressive treatment.
With early detection, however, treatment success rates can exceed 80–90%. And for our patients in Sherwood Park, we believe that peace of mind is worth five minutes of your time.
Why Choose Granada Dental for Oral Cancer Screening in Sherwood Park?
For over 30 years, Granada Dental has provided preventive care you can trust. We don’t just check boxes — we provide comprehensive, personalized exams with your long-term health in mind.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Experience You Can Rely On
Our dentists are trained to recognize the earliest warning signs and guide you through every step of follow-up if needed.Modern, Gentle Techniques
Our screenings are designed to be quick, pain-free, and completely integrated into your regular dental care.Commitment to Prevention
We believe that catching problems early is the best form of care — and we’re here to make that simple, clear, and stress-free.Local & Trusted
We proudly serve the Sherwood Park community, including areas like Aspen Trails, Heritage Hills, Glen Allan, and beyond.
Integrating Screening Into Your Preventive Care
Oral cancer screening is just one part of your larger preventive dental strategy. When combined with:
Regular cleanings and checkups
Digital X-rays
Fluoride treatments
Nutritional guidance and lifestyle coaching
you get a proactive plan designed not just to fix problems, but to prevent them entirely.