April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to spread the word about the importance of regular screenings to prevent this disease that changes the lives of over 50,000 people in the US every year. Your dentist is an important healthcare partner in the fight to prevent oral cancer, providing screenings along with your semiannual cleanings and oral hygiene examinations.
What is Oral Cancer?
If you have a sore on your lips or inside your mouth that won’t heal, if you notice red or white patches on the inside of your cheeks or your tongue, or if there is an abnormal growth anywhere in your mouth, you may be showing signs of oral cancer. There are other symptoms too, including difficulty swallowing and chronic hoarseness. If you notice anything abnormal with your mouth, please contact us or your primary care doctor right away to get a screening.
Oral cancer can affect any part of your mouth, including your lips, tongue, throat, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, and floor of the mouth. It is important to know your risk.
- Men are at a higher risk of oral cancer than women
- Most people are diagnosed in their mid-60s
- People who smoke, vape, or use any kind of tobacco product have an increased risk
- Long-term sun exposure or tanning bed use puts you at higher risk
- An increasing number of non-smokers are diagnosed with oral cancer due to HPV infection.
Get Screened Every 6 Months at Your Dentist’s Office
We provide an oral cancer screening during your check-up and examination because we care about your overall health, not just your teeth. If we see any indication of oral cancer, we will direct you on how to proceed for further testing and diagnosis. The key is early detection and treatment before it’s too late. In the early stages, oral cancer is highly treatable.
If you haven’t been in to see us in more than 6 months, it’s time to schedule your next cleaning, examination, and oral cancer screening. We hope you will also spread the word about the importance of regular oral cancer screenings to your friends and family in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
