We routinely check for signs of oral cancer at every cleaning appointment. Oral cancer represents 4% of all cancers. 95% of all oral cancer is found in patients over age 40, with the average age of diagnosis being 60.

Early carcinoma in the mouth may be painless; pain usually begins once a lesion becomes ulcerated.

The use of all tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing, snuff) and alcohol significantly increase the risk of oral cancer.