Why Routine Dental Exams Include Skin Cancer Screenings

Most people schedule regular dental checkups to protect their teeth and gums. What many don’t realize is that these visits can also play an important role in protecting their overall health.

During every comprehensive dental examination, Dr. Marielaina Perrone carefully evaluates far more than your teeth. She examines your lips, facial skin, neck, oral tissues, tongue, cheeks, and surrounding structures for abnormalities that could indicate infection, oral cancer, or skin cancer.

Because the lips and areas surrounding the mouth are frequently exposed to the sun, dentists are often among the first healthcare professionals to notice suspicious changes that patients may have overlooked.

While a dental examination is not a substitute for a full-body skin examination by a physician or dermatologist, recognizing suspicious lesions early can make a meaningful difference in treatment outcomes.

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.

Fortunately, when detected early, most forms of skin cancer can be treated successfully.

The challenge is that many skin cancers develop gradually and may not cause pain during their earliest stages. Patients often dismiss subtle changes as dry skin, chapped lips, aging, or harmless moles.

Routine dental examinations provide another opportunity for these changes to be recognized before they become more serious.

What Does Your Dentist Look For?

During your examination, Dr. Perrone evaluates the skin and soft tissues around your mouth for changes such as:

• New growths
• Persistent sores
• Rough or scaly patches
• Areas that bleed easily
• Changes in existing moles
• Persistent crusting of the lips
• Changes in skin color
• Areas that fail to heal

She also examines your:

• Lips
• Corners of the mouth
• Cheeks
• Nose
• Chin
• Neck
• Tongue
• Floor of the mouth
• Soft palate
• Oral mucosa

Many patients are surprised to learn how comprehensive a modern dental examination has become.

Are You at Higher Risk?

Although anyone can develop skin cancer, certain factors increase your risk.

You may be at greater risk if you:

• Spend significant time outdoors
• Have fair skin
• Have blue or green eyes
• Have blond or red hair
• Have a history of frequent sunburns
• Use tanning beds
• Have numerous moles
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Have a weakened immune system
• Are over age 50
• Live in sunny climates such as Southern Nevada

Because Henderson and Las Vegas receive abundant sunshine year-round, protecting your skin and lips from ultraviolet (UV) exposure is especially important.

Skin Cancer Around the Mouth: What to Watch For

Actinic Cheilitis

One of the most common conditions affecting the lips is actinic cheilitis, sometimes called “farmer’s lip.”

It develops after years of sun exposure and most commonly affects the lower lip.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent dryness
• Rough patches
• Cracking
• White or gray discoloration
• Loss of the sharp border of the lip
• Tenderness

Although not every case progresses to cancer, actinic cheilitis is considered a precancerous condition that deserves professional evaluation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.

It often appears as:

• Pearly bumps
• Small pink growths
• Waxy patches
• Non-healing sores
• Areas that repeatedly bleed

Fortunately, it is usually highly treatable when detected early.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma commonly develops on sun-exposed areas, including the lower lip.

Warning signs include:

• Firm red bumps
• Thickened scaly patches
• Persistent ulcers
• Crusted sores
• Areas that bleed easily

Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment success.

Melanoma

Although less common, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Watch for the ABCDE warning signs:

A — Asymmetry

B — Irregular Borders

C — Multiple Colors

D — Diameter larger than approximately 6 mm

E — Evolution or change over time

Any mole or pigmented lesion that changes should be evaluated promptly by a physician or dermatologist.

Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

Fortunately, many cases of skin cancer are preventable.

Dr. Perrone recommends:

• Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Using lip balm with SPF protection
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats
• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses
• Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours
• Avoiding indoor tanning beds
• Performing monthly skin self-examinations
• Scheduling regular medical skin examinations if you are at higher risk

Don’t forget your lips. They’re one of the most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen.

How Your Dental Visits Support Your Overall Health

Modern dentistry extends well beyond treating cavities.

At every comprehensive examination, Dr. Perrone evaluates:

• Teeth
• Gums
• Bite
• Jaw joints
• Oral cancer screening
• Soft tissues
• Lips
• Facial skin around the mouth
• Signs of possible skin abnormalities

This comprehensive approach reflects a philosophy that oral health and overall health are closely connected.

Dr. Perrone’s Perspective

“Patients often think they’re coming in for a routine dental cleaning, but every comprehensive examination is also an opportunity to evaluate their overall oral and facial health. If we notice an area that appears unusual or isn’t healing properly, we can recommend prompt medical evaluation. Early detection can make a significant difference.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my dentist diagnose skin cancer?

No. Dentists do not diagnose skin cancer. However, they are trained to recognize suspicious abnormalities and recommend further evaluation by a physician or dermatologist when appropriate.

Should I still see a dermatologist?

Yes. Routine dental examinations complement—but do not replace—regular skin examinations by your primary care physician or dermatologist.

Is sunscreen safe for my lips?

Yes. Lip balms containing SPF 30 or higher help protect one of the most common sites of sun-related skin damage.

Can skin cancer develop inside the mouth?

Most skin cancers develop on sun-exposed skin, but dentists also perform oral cancer screenings to evaluate the tissues inside the mouth for abnormalities that require further investigation.

The Bottom Line

Your dental checkup protects much more than your smile.

During every comprehensive examination, Dr. Marielaina Perrone carefully evaluates your teeth, gums, oral tissues, lips, and surrounding facial structures for abnormalities that may warrant further evaluation. While dental examinations do not replace medical skin cancer screenings, they provide another valuable opportunity for early recognition of suspicious changes.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental examination, schedule your visit today.

Patients throughout Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Boulder City trust Dr. Perrone for comprehensive preventive care that supports both oral and overall health.

Call (702) 458-2929 today to schedule your comprehensive dental examination.

About the Author

Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Dr. Marielaina Perrone is an award-winning cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist serving Henderson, Nevada, and the greater Las Vegas area. With more than 25 years of clinical experience, she provides comprehensive preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and periodontal care with a strong emphasis on early disease detection and personalized treatment planning. Her patient-centered philosophy focuses on preserving oral health while supporting overall wellness through evidence-based dentistry.

Medically Reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS

This article has been medically reviewed by Marielaina Perrone, DDS, to ensure it reflects current knowledge regarding dental examinations, oral health, and the recognition of abnormalities that may require medical evaluation. Dr. Perrone is committed to providing accurate, evidence-based educational resources that help patients make informed decisions about their health.

Updated: July 2026