Skip to Main Content
73151 El Paseo Suite C Palm Desert, CA 92260
Patient Portal
Text Us! (760) 219-7487
Call Us! (760) 565-0234
Home
Aboutarrow_drop_down
About Us
Office Tour
Our Team
Patient Informationarrow_drop_down
Same Day Teeth Consultation
Technology
Servicesarrow_drop_down
View all Services
All-on-4 Implants
ClearCorrect Braces
Dental Checkup
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Dental Implants
Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Emergency Dentist
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Invisalign Dentist
Kid Friendly Dentist
Root Canal Treatment
Sedation Dentist
Smile Makeover
Snap-On Smile
Teeth Whitening
White Spot Removal
Patient Educationarrow_drop_down
Blog
Alternative to Braces for Teens
Dental Anxiety
Do I Have Sleep Apnea
Do I Need a Root Canal
I Think My Gums Are Receding
Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Hygiene Basics
What Can I Do to Improve My Smile
What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures
What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
Which is Better Invisalign or Braces
Why Are My Gums Bleeding
Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Reviews
Patient Portal
Contact Us
Home
About
About Us
Office Tour
Our Team
Patient Information
Same Day Teeth Consultation
Technology
Services
View all Services
All-on-4 Implants
ClearCorrect Braces
Dental Checkup
Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Dental Implants
Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Emergency Dentist
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Invisalign Dentist
Kid Friendly Dentist
Root Canal Treatment
Sedation Dentist
Smile Makeover
Snap-On Smile
Teeth Whitening
White Spot Removal
Patient Education
Blog
Alternative to Braces for Teens
Dental Anxiety
Do I Have Sleep Apnea
Do I Need a Root Canal
I Think My Gums Are Receding
Improve Your Smile for Senior Pictures
Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral Hygiene Basics
What Can I Do to Improve My Smile
What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures
What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth
When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
Which is Better Invisalign or Braces
Why Are My Gums Bleeding
Will I Need a Bone Graft for Dental Implants
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Reviews
Patient Portal
Contact Us
Oral Cancer Screening Palm Desert, CA
Dentists use an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth. Oral health can impact more than just the mouth, particularly when it comes to oral cancer. Although the word cancer can be alarming, an oral cancer screening is a routine assessment that is conducted by a dentist or dental assistant as part of general precautionary care.
Dentists are not only concerned about the health of teeth but also consider the relationship between oral health and overall health. Do you want to learn more about oral cancer? For more information about oral cancer screenings, our team at Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert is here to help. Call us at (760) 565-0234 to learn more.
Request An Appointment
First & Last Name (Required)
Email (Required)
Phone Number (Required)
How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther
Select an Option
Signs That Could Indicate a Need for a Screening Test
Many people who receive care from a dentist receive oral cancer screenings even though they do not have any signs of a specific need for the test. Oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.
Some people may have specific signs that might indicate a need for an oral cancer screening, including:
A change in the mouth tissue, such as a thickening, or rough spot
An ulcer, or eroded area of the mouth
Discolorations, such as new red or white patches in the mouth
Hoarseness, sore throat, or feeling of something stuck in one’s throat
New problems such as difficulty with speaking, moving one’s tongue or jaw, closing one’s teeth together, chewing, or swallowing
Pain or numbness in the lips or other mouth structures
Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
Weight loss
If a patient experiences one of the above symptoms, particularly if it is changing quickly or causing pain, an oral cancer screening can help put their mind at ease.
“This is because oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.”
What to Expect During the Test
Oral cancer screenings are typically integrated into a routine dental check-up, so a patient may not even notice when a dentist is performing a screening exam. During the typical oral cancer test, the dentist will examine the entire oral cavity, including the lining of the cheeks, the gums, the tongue, the hard palate, the back of the throat, and the lips. The patient may feel the dentist moving their gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort. The dentist will also look globally at the structures of the face and neck, checking for symmetry.
To do a more in-depth screening, some dentists may use a special blue light to assess particular areas. If a spot of interest is detected during oral cancer screening, the dentist may perform a biopsy or refer the patient to another provider for this procedure.
“The patient may feel the dentist moving his or her gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort.”
Habits That Contribute to Oral Cancer
Oral cancers are more likely to occur in people with certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol. According to the American Cancer Society, people who are over age 55 are more likely to develop oral cancer, and men are twice as likely as women to have oral cancer. People who have been exposed to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) may also be more likely to develop oral cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 70 percent of oral cancers are associated with HPV.
“People who have been exposed to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) may also be more likely to develop oral cancer.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Cancer Screening in Palm Desert, CA
When Would a Dentist Advise a Test?
An oral cancer screening is simple enough to be performed during every check-up, and the American Dental Association recommends a thorough evaluation of the oral cavity during a regular exam.
For most patients, a dentist will advise a routine dental visit every six months, so some form of oral cancer test may be administered twice yearly. Some dentists may conduct a more formalized oral screening at a different interval. For patients who have a history of oral cancer or who have significant oral cancer risk factors, a dentist may conduct more frequent oral screenings.
“For most patients, a dentist will advise a routine dental visit every six months, so some form of cancer screening may be administered twice yearly.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are signs of oral cancer?
Q. What is an oral cancer screening like?
Q. What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Q. How often should a patient get an oral cancer screening?
Q. What happens after an oral cancer screening?
People Also Ask
Q. What causes gum disease?
Q. What causes bleeding gums?
Q. Why are my gums receding?
Q. What should be included in an at home oral health routine?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Q. Who is at risk of gum recession?
What Happens After an Oral Cancer Screening?
After the dentist evaluates the mouth and surrounding structures for signs of oral cancer, the patient will be able to continue with their daily routine as usual, without restrictions. The dentist will discuss any potential areas of concern and may ask that the patient return to the office in a few weeks for a re-evaluation, to see if the areas have changed or resolved. The dentist will not be able to tell for sure if an area of focus is cancerous, so more tests may be needed. If the patient has been scheduled for a biopsy, that patient will receive further instructions about how to prepare.
“The dentist will discuss any potential areas of concern and may ask that the patient return to the office in a few weeks for a reevaluation, to see if the areas have changed or resolved.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How common is oral cancer?
A. According to the American Dental Association, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. While this is intimidating, you can lower your risk of developing oral cancer by avoiding tobacco and alcohol. It is also wise to stay on top of oral health by following a regular check-up schedule.
Q. How much does drinking influence oral cancer?
A. The American Cancer Society notes that people who drink heavily are more likely to develop oral cancers than those with light or no alcohol intake. People who pair heavy drinking with heavy tobacco smoking increase their risk even further. The people who combine these activities have a risk of oral cancer that is 30 times higher than those who abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
Q. How can I prevent oral cancers?
A. The most important thing you can do to prevent the development of oral cancer is to avoid using tobacco products. Limiting your alcohol intake can also reduce your risk. Because of the association between oral cancers and HPV, it is also recommended that preteens get two doses of the HPV vaccine, as this could prevent oral cancers.
Q. What is a biopsy?
A. If the dentist identifies a suspicious area in the mouth during oral cancer screening, he or she may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue so that it can be examined more closely, by a pathologist. This may be done using several different methods, including a needle, a scalpel, or a specialized tool. Some dentists perform their own biopsies, and others coordinate with other types of healthcare professionals, such as otolaryngologists.
Q. Who is most at risk of developing oral cancer?
A. Besides those who drink heavily and use tobacco, those with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) tend to develop it at higher rates. Also, men develop it at higher rates than women. Those with poor nutrition or who are overweight, are also at higher risk.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Let Us Help – Click for Directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa
Scan here to view this page, Oral Cancer Screening, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical test that a medical professional uses to extract a sample of tissue to determine the exact cause of a disease.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a thorough cleaning procedure that involves preventing the spread or continued growth of periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the difficulty or discomfort that one can experience when swallowing due to this disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Oral Cavity
The term oral cavity is another name for the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, teeth, the front of the tongue and the roof of the mouth.
Oral Mucosa
The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the mouth consisting of oral epithelium and lamina propria.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of oral cancer that occurs within the mouth, which can also result from excessive smoking and alcohol use.
Precancerous Lesions
Precancerous lesions are morphologically altered tissue that has a high probability of causing oral cancer to occur in those specific spots.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Learn More Today
Regular oral cancer screenings may help stop the disease before it has the chance to spread. At Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa, we can help figure out the best preventative care plan for you. Call us at 760-565-0234 to schedule an appointment today.
Helpful Related Links
American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page.
2025
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website securityDesert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and VisaWe serve patients from the following counties: Riverside CountyWe serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm SpringsHealthgrades. View Background Information and ReviewsNorton Safe Web. View DetailsTrend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile
Back to top of Oral Cancer Screening
QR code for Oral Cancer Screening
Palm Desert, CA Why Are My Gums Bleeding Gum Disease
Related Topics
Dental Bonding
Dental Checkup
Dental Cleaning and Examinations
Dental Sealants
Preventative Dental Care
Why Dental Sealants Play an Important Part in Protecting Your Child’s Teeth
Find a Dentist in Palm Desert, CA
Type Your Search Query Here
Related Posts
How Emergency Dentists Perform A Root Canal Retreatment
If severe tooth pain returns after a previous root canal, an emergency dentist may recommend root canal retreatment to eliminate the infection and restore long-term dental health. While an initial endodontic procedure has a high success rate, complications can arise years later that require professional intervention. By choosing an emergency dentist, you can find immediate…
Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures?
Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene…
Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth
Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should…
Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Dental Bridges Right For Me?
If you are someone with gaps in their smile, there are many options for replacing missing teeth available to you. A dental bridge is a time-honored solution for replacing missing teeth. Similar methods for replacing teeth have been used for thousands of years.A dental bridge is a single or series of false teeth, called pontics,…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
General Dentistry Services
Mouth Guards
Night Guards
Routine Dental Care
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Dental Office
Find Dental Care Near Me
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile
73151 El Paseo Suite C
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Get Directions
Call Us Today!
(760) 565-0234
Request Appointment
Comments or
Suggestions?
Contact Us
https://desertdreamdentistry.com
AboutWe are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages.
Office
Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa
73151 El Paseo Suite C
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Contact
Phone: (760) 565-0234
Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa.
Privacy Policy / Sitemap
Facebook YouTube Yelp Instagram
Request Your Appointment Today!
Request Appointment
Visit the Home Page
Contact Us
Request Appointment
Get Driving Directions
Access Accessibility Options
Activate Black Text
Activate White Text
Increase Font Size
Decrease Font Size
Reset Accessibility Options
Request An Appointment
First & Last Name (Required)
Email (Required)
Phone Number (Required)
How Did You Hear About Us?Existing PatientGoogleDiscovered OnlineWord of MouthFacebook or Other Social MediaOther
Select an Option