Abstract: A gene marker for the detection of oral cancer, comprising methylated CpG sites in target genes, is provided. The CpG sites in the target genes are selected from a group consisting of the following CpG sites: FLT4_E206_F, ASCL1_E24_F, KDR_E79_F, TFPI2_P9_F, TERT_E20_F, ADCYAP1_P455_R, MT1A_P49_R, and combinations thereof. A method for the detection of oral cancer, comprising the following steps is also provided: a) providing a sample to be examined from an individual; b) detecting a methylation state of at least one CpG site in a target gene on the genomic DNA from cells of the sample, wherein the CpG site in the target gene is selected from a group consisting of the following CpG sites: FLT4_E206_F, ASCL1_E24_F, KDR_E79_F, TFPI2_P9_F, TERT_E20_F, ADCYAP1_P455_R, and MT1A_P49_R; and c) determining if the individual has oral cancer based on the methylation state of the selected CpG site in the target gene.