Oral Cancer Screening in Upland — Early Detection Can Save Your Life

Smiling woman with curly hair standing with arms crossed in dental office

Oral cancer is treatable — but only when detected early

Oral cancer often begins without obvious symptoms. In its early stages, it may present as a small sore or subtle change in mouth tissue that most people never notice. By the time pain appears, the condition has often progressed. Early detection is the key to survival, which is why oral cancer screening is an essential part of preventive dentistry.

At Higher Ground Dentistry, we perform routine oral cancer screenings for every patient, helping families across Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, and Ontario protect their long-term health with fast, painless examinations.

📞 Concerned about symptoms or overdue for an exam? Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule your oral cancer screening.

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What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick examination of the mouth and surrounding tissues to identify early signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.

  • Tongue and floor of the mouth

  • Roof of the mouth and cheeks

  • Gums and lips

  • Tonsils and throat

  • Jaw and neck lymph nodes

The screening takes only a few minutes and can be life-saving.

Senior woman wearing glasses in dental chair receiving oral examination from dentist and assistant

Oral cancer symptoms you should never ignore

  • Persistent mouth sore that does not heal

  • Red or white patches inside the mouth

  • A lump or thickening of tissue

  • Pain when swallowing

  • Numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue

  • Chronic hoarseness or throat soreness

  • Unexplained ear pain

  • Sudden loose teeth without gum disease

Oral cancer does not always cause pain early — symptoms can be subtle. Screening catches warning signs before they progress.

What happens during an oral cancer screening at Higher Ground Dentistry

Visual examination

We check the mouth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormal patches, lesions, and tissue changes.

Digital light technology (if needed)

Advanced fluorescence tools help detect changes that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Neck and jaw check

We examine lymph nodes and jawline for swelling or sensitivity.

The screening is non-invasive and completely painless — no needles, scraping, or discomfort.

Why screening at the dentist is crucial

Dentists are uniquely positioned to diagnose oral cancer early because they routinely examine areas that physicians rarely inspect during a physical.

  • Higher chance of early detection

  • Prevents advanced cancer progression

  • Adds no additional time to a dental visit

  • Recommended by the ADA at every dental checkup

How often should you get screened?

Oral cancer screening should be done at every routine dental exam, typically every 6 months.
Patients with risk factors may benefit from screenings every 3–4 months.

📞 Call (909) 946-9090 to schedule an oral cancer screening in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Claremont, and Ontario.

Request Appointment

CALL or TEXT (909) 946-9090

CLICK TO CALL

Frequently Asked Questions

1Does oral cancer screening hurt?
No. The screening is fast, gentle, and completely painless.
2How long does the screening take?
Most screenings take 2–5 minutes and are included with routine exams.
3Can oral cancer start without pain?
Yes — many cases start silently, which is why early screening is essential.
4At what age should screenings begin?
Screenings are recommended for all adults, especially age 18+.
5If something is found, what’s next?
We will determine whether the area should be monitored or if a biopsy consultation with an oral specialist is recommended.