What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and often overlooked โ€” but they can be life-saving. At Riverside Dental Sherman Oaks, we include this important exam in every preventive checkup.

Why Screenings Matter


Oral cancer affects over 50,000 people in the U.S. annually. When caught early, survival rates are high โ€” which is why regular screenings are key.

What Happens During the Exam

  • We examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat
  • We look for red/white patches, lumps, or lesions
  • We gently palpate your jaw and neck to check for swelling or abnormalities
  • It takes less than 5 minutes โ€” no discomfort involved

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

  • Tobacco or alcohol use
  • HPV infection
  • Age 40+
  • Family history
  • Excessive sun exposure to lips

When to Get Screened


We recommend annual screenings for all adults โ€” more often if youโ€™re in a high-risk group.

Peace of Mind in Every Visit


Your oral health is about more than your teeth. With every exam, weโ€™re also looking out for your total well-being.