April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Week, and it is the perfect time to shine a light on an often-overlooked but serious health issue. Oral cancer affects thousands of people every year, but the good news is that early detection and prevention can make all the difference. At your dental checkups, we are not just looking at your teeth and gums—we are also screening for signs of oral cancer, a crucial step in protecting your overall health.
Early Detection Saves Lives
One of the most important reasons to see your dentist regularly is for an oral cancer screening. These quick, non-invasive exams are part of your routine checkup and can help catch suspicious changes in your mouth before they become serious.
This is important because oral cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard or soft palate, sinuses and throat. When found early, it is much more treatable and therefore, more survivable. During your dental visit, we check for unusual lumps, red or white patches, sores that do not heal or any changes in the tissues of your mouth and throat. If anything looks concerning, we will refer you for further evaluation right away.
Know the Warning Signs
Being aware of the symptoms of oral cancer can help you act quickly if something seems off. Be sure to keep an eye out for the following potentially red flags:
- A sore in your mouth that fails to heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickening in the cheek
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A persistent sore throat or feeling like something is caught in your throat
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
- Hoarseness or voice changes
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they last more than two weeks, we urge you not to wait. Schedule a dental visit so we can take a closer look.
Prevention Starts With You
While some risk factors—like age and genetics—cannot be changed, there are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing oral cancer:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms. Smoking and chewing tobacco are leading causes of oral cancer. Consequently, quitting greatly lowers your risk.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking increases your chances of developing oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Protect your lips. Use lip balm with SPF and avoid prolonged sun exposure to reduce the risk of lip cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports immune health and may lower cancer risk.
- Stay on top of dental visits. Regular checkups help us detect issues early and keep your mouth healthy.
Did You Know: Your Dentist Is Often Your First Line of Defense?
At our dental practice, we are dedicated to more than just your smile and oral health—we are here to support your overall health. Oral Cancer Awareness Week is a great reminder to prioritize your health and schedule that overdue dental checkup. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or have noticed something unusual, we are here to help. Remember, early detection saves lives, and your dental visit could be the key to catching oral cancer before it has a chance to progress.
We invite you to call us today to schedule your screening and take a proactive step in protecting your health. Your smile and body will thank you!