Oral Cancer Screening in St. Louis Park, MN

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter

Oral cancer can affect any area of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, throat, floor of the mouth, and hard or soft palate. Unfortunately, many cases go unnoticed until symptoms become more serious. That’s why regular screenings — even when you feel healthy — are essential.

We perform screenings as part of every dental cleaning and exam, with extra attention paid to patients who have known risk factors such as:

• Tobacco or alcohol use
• History of HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Family history of oral or throat cancers
• Excessive sun exposure (lip cancer risk)
• Age 40 or older
• Prior cancer treatments

Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk group, we believe everyone deserves the benefit of early detection.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings at Creekside Dental are quick, painless, and performed during your routine visit. Here’s what the process typically includes:

1. Visual Examination
   We inspect your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, and throat for any discoloration, lesions, swelling, or asymmetries. We also check the tissues under your tongue and around the base of your mouth.
2. Tactile Evaluation
   Using gloved hands, we gently palpate your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for unusual lumps or firmness that may not be visible.
3. Follow-Up Recommendations
   If we detect anything abnormal, we may recommend a follow-up visit for re-evaluation or refer you to a specialist for a biopsy. Most findings are benign, but it’s always better to rule out anything concerning early.

Our use of modern dental technology — including enhanced lighting and magnification tools — ensures we don’t miss the subtle signs that could make a difference in early diagnosis.

Who Should Get Screened?

Everyone benefits from regular oral cancer screenings, but they’re especially important if you:

• Are over the age of 40
• Use or have used tobacco products
• Consume alcohol regularly
• Have a compromised immune system
• Have tested positive for HPV
• Spend extended time in the sun without lip protection

If you’ve never had an oral cancer screening or it’s been more than a year, let our team know during your next appointment. Screenings are always included with your regular general dentistry care — no additional appointment needed.

Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Although oral cancer may not cause pain initially, there are early symptoms that should be evaluated by a dental professional. If you notice any of the following lasting more than two weeks, schedule an exam:

• Sores that don’t heal
• Persistent red or white patches in the mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the lips or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

At Creekside Dental, we take a proactive approach to identifying and monitoring any abnormalities. When caught early, treatment can be more effective and less invasive.

Supporting Long-Term Health Through Preventive Care

Oral cancer screenings are one part of a comprehensive approach to health-focused dentistry. We pair them with regular fluoride treatments, sealants, and cleanings to help protect your entire mouth — not just your teeth.

Our team — including Dr. Gabe De Los Rios and Dr. Robert Laing — values early intervention and education. We’ll explain every step of the screening and keep you informed about your results, so you always feel confident in your care.

If you’re not currently covered by dental insurance, our Membership Plan makes it simple to access regular screenings and preventive services at a reduced cost.

Serving the St. Louis Park Community and Beyond

Creekside Dental proudly serves patients throughout St. Louis Park, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, and surrounding areas of Minneapolis. Whether you're new to our practice or due for your next checkup, we’re here to support your health with thorough, compassionate care — including lifesaving screenings.