Why Your Periodontal Checkup Should Include an Oral Cancer Screening

When most people think about going to the periodontist, they usually imagine treatments for gum disease, dental implants, or deep cleanings. But there’s another critical reason to maintain regular visits—especially with a specialist like Dr. Rana Baroudi—and that’s to protect your overall health. One often-overlooked component of comprehensive oral care is the oral cancer screening, a quick and non-invasive exam that can literally save lives.

While gum health is important, your mouth is also a window to your overall health. A routine oral cancer exam performed during your periodontal visit can detect early warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions. In this article, we’ll explore why incorporating this screening into your checkups is essential and how Dr. Baroudi prioritizes early detection and prevention at her San Jose practice.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a visual and tactile examination of the mouth, lips, throat, and surrounding tissues to identify any abnormal or suspicious areas that may indicate early signs of cancer. It typically takes just a few minutes, but those minutes can be life-changing.

During the exam, Dr. Baroudi looks for:

• Red or white patche
• Lumps, thickened tissue, or sores that don’t heal
• Unusual swelling or growths
• Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

She may also feel the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for any irregularities. If something appears abnormal, she may recommend further evaluation or a biopsy.

Why It’s Important for Periodontal Patients

Patients who see a periodontist are often already at a higher risk for certain oral health issues. Many of these risks—such as tobacco use, chronic inflammation, poor immune health, and a history of periodontal disease—can also be risk factors for oral cancer. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate a cancer screening for the mouth and throat as part of every comprehensive exam.

Gum disease and oral cancer can sometimes exhibit similar signs: bleeding gums, mouth sores, discomfort, and loose teeth. That’s why it’s critical to have an expert like Dr. Baroudi, who can distinguish between the two and recognize when something more serious may be developing.

Who Should Be Screened?

Everyone can benefit from an oral cancer screening, but certain groups are at higher risk and should be especially vigilant:

• Smokers and tobacco users (including vaping)
• Heavy alcohol consumers
• People over age 40
• Individuals with a personal or family history of cancer
• Patients with a weakened immune system
• Those exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus)

Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, an oral pathology screening can give you peace of mind and serve as an important baseline for future exams.

The Power of Early Detection

One of the biggest challenges with oral cancer is that it often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. In its early stages, oral cancer may not cause any pain or obvious symptoms, which is why routine oral cancer checks are crucial. Early detection dramatically improves treatment success and survival rates.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, when oral cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rate is about 84%. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in later stages, reducing survival rates significantly.

By making an oral cancer screening part of your periodontal checkup, Dr. Baroudi is not only protecting your teeth and gums—she’s looking out for your total health and well-being.

What to Expect During Your Screening with Dr. Baroudi

Dr. Rana Baroudi offers oral cancer exams in San Jose as part of her holistic periodontal care. During your visit, she will:

1. Visually inspect your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and throat.
2. Use gloved hands to gently palpate areas in and around your mouth and neck.
3. Ask if you’ve noticed any unusual symptoms such as persistent sores, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing.
4. If necessary, recommend follow-up imaging or a referral for biopsy to rule out suspicious lesions.

This process is quick, painless, and often completed in under five minutes. And yet, the reassurance it provides can be immeasurable.

Benefits of Routine Oral Cancer Exams

There are many advantages to having an oral cancer exam performed during your regular periodontal visit:

• Early detection: Identifying abnormal cells before symptoms develop.
• Peace of mind: Regular screenings can help detect changes over time.
• Efficiency: You’re already at the office for your gums—why not protect the rest of your mouth?
• Expertise: Periodontists like Dr. Baroudi are trained to recognize even the most subtle signs of pathology.

Because she routinely evaluates oral tissues during every checkup, Dr. Baroudi may spot abnormalities that others could miss. That’s just one more reason her patients trust her with their long-term oral health.

Common Myths About Oral Cancer Screenings

“I don’t smoke, so I don’t need it.”
While tobacco is a major risk factor, over 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people who don’t smoke or drink. Other causes, including HPV, genetics, or sun exposure (for lip cancers), still make screenings important for everyone.

“It’s uncomfortable or invasive.”
Not at all. A typical oral cancer check is fast, gentle, and entirely non-invasive. There are no needles, machines, or pain involved.

“I’ll know if something is wrong.”
Not necessarily. Many people feel no symptoms at all in the early stages. By the time pain or visible lesions appear, the condition may already be advanced.

Prioritize Your Health With Every Visit

At Cambrian Periodontics and Dental Implants, Dr. Rana Baroudi takes a comprehensive approach to your care. That means going beyond just cleanings or gum evaluations. It means protecting you against silent, serious threats—like oral cancer. Her commitment to patient education, advanced diagnostics, and preventative care ensures that you’re not just getting healthier gums, but a healthier future.

An oral cancer screening should never be treated as optional or “extra”—it’s an essential part of protecting your health. If it’s been a while since your last checkup or you’ve never had one, now is the perfect time.