April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that affects tens of thousands of people every year—but is often overlooked. We believe education is a powerful tool in the fight against oral cancer. Knowing the risks, recognizing early symptoms, and staying consistent with dental checkups can make a life-saving difference.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and sinuses. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable, but because it can go unnoticed in its early stages, many cases are diagnosed late—making awareness and early detection crucial.
Who Is at Risk?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of cancer
- Poor oral hygiene or diet low in fruits and vegetables
It’s important to remember that even individuals with none of these risk factors can still develop oral cancer, which is why regular screenings are essential for everyone.
Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Being aware of the signs and symptoms can help you catch potential problems early. Watch for:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
- A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth.
- Bleeding, pain or numbness in the lip or mouth.
- Change in voice.
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well.
- Trouble chewing or swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw.
- Swelling of the jaw.
- Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat.
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, schedule a dental or medical evaluation as soon as possible.
How Dentists Help with Early Detection
We perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups. During the exam, we carefully inspect the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, throat, and jaw for any abnormalities. This simple, quick screening can identify early signs of oral cancer and lead to timely intervention.
What You Can Do
- Get regular dental checkups. Ask your dentist if you are receiving an oral cancer screening.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use.
- Practice good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay informed and talk to your dentist about any changes or concerns.
- Educate others by spreading awareness in your community.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Oral cancer is a serious health issue—but it’s one we can fight together through awareness, prevention, and early detection. This April, join us in supporting Oral Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your dental checkup and encouraging your loved ones to do the same. A few minutes in the dental chair could save a life.
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The content of this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
