Oral Cancer Screening in Basingstoke
Oral cancer is something most people don’t think about until they’re affected by it - but early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes. At Hampshire Dental Care, we offer oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental care, because your health is about more than just clean teeth and healthy gums.
Our screening appointments are quick, painless, and part of the personalised care we offer every patient. We’re trained to identify the early signs of oral cancer and other abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues - often before they cause noticeable symptoms. For us, prevention and early intervention are at the heart of good dentistry.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a simple examination we carry out to look for signs of cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the tissues of your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. It typically takes just a few minutes and is included as part of your regular dental check-up.
During the screening, we’ll:
- Examine the soft tissues of your mouth for any unusual changes or lesions
- Check the tongue, inside of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth
- Feel around the jaw and neck area for any lumps or abnormalities
- Ask about any symptoms you may have noticed, such as persistent ulcers, changes in speech, or unexplained bleeding
There’s no special preparation needed, and the exam is completely non-invasive. Most of the time, nothing unusual is found - but if we do notice anything, we’ll explain it clearly and refer you for further investigation if needed.
Why Screening Matters
Oral cancer isn’t always linked to pain or obvious symptoms in its early stages. That’s why regular dental visits are such an important line of defence. Dentists are often the first health professionals to spot the signs - especially in patients who might not otherwise have symptoms.
We screen every adult patient as part of their routine care, because early detection gives you the best chance of successful treatment. The screening is quick, completely safe, and gives us valuable insight into your oral and overall health.
It’s particularly important if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco products
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have had significant sun exposure (risk factor for lip cancer)
- Have persistent ulcers, red or white patches, or changes in how your mouth feels
Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why we treat screening as a standard part of our dental examinations.
Our Approach at Hampshire Dental Care
We take a calm, reassuring approach to oral cancer screening. Our patients often comment on how thorough yet relaxed their check-ups feel, and we always take the time to explain what we’re doing and why. If we spot anything unusual, we’ll talk through what it could be and what the next steps would involve.
Importantly, we’re not here to alarm you - but to provide reassurance, clarity, and appropriate care if anything needs further attention. If referral to a specialist is needed, we’ll handle it promptly and stay involved in your care as needed.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
While most mouth changes are harmless, it’s worth booking a check-up if you notice any of the following:
- Mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat
- Numbness in the tongue or lips
- A change in how your teeth or dentures fit together
- Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, we encourage you to book an appointment - even if they turn out to be nothing, it’s always better to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral cancer screening included in a routine check-up?
Yes. At Hampshire Dental Care, oral cancer screening is a standard part of our adult dental check-ups. You don’t need to book a separate appointment unless you have specific concerns.
Does the screening hurt?
Not at all. It’s a visual and tactile examination that takes just a few minutes. There are no needles or invasive procedures involved.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
We recommend every adult has a screening at least once a year, which we include in your check-up appointments. If you’re at higher risk, we may recommend more frequent monitoring.
What happens if you find something unusual?
If we notice any suspicious changes, we’ll explain what we see and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for further assessment. Most cases turn out to be harmless - but if treatment is needed, early detection is key.
Can young adults develop oral cancer?
While it’s more common in people over 40, oral cancer can affect younger adults too. That’s why we include screening for all adult patients, regardless of age or risk level.
If you’re due for a dental check-up or have noticed anything unusual in your mouth, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Hampshire Dental Care today - your health is always our priority.
