April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Do you know the signs of oral cancer?

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to bringing awareness to an often overlooked but serious disease.

Oral cancer is the commonly used term by oral health professionals when talking about a variety of cancers that affect the oral cavity, including the tongue, lips, and throat. These types of cancer can affect anyone and early detection is associated with better outcomes.

25% of people who are diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors, which makes getting screened for oral cancer important for everyone. While smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors, the fastest-growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, non-smoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus.

If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, please schedule an appointment right away.

  •      Any irregular or sudden lumps, bumps, or rough patches in the oral cavity or around your lips
  •      A persistent numbness or loss of sensation of the tongue, mouth, neck, or face
  •      Any difficulties when trying to chew, talk, or swallow
  •      A sore throat
  •      Oral bleeding
  •      Discolored areas or patches inside the mouth

To keep you and your mouth healthy, it’s vital that you schedule regular visits with your dentist and hygienist. At these visits, our dentists and hygienists will look for any signs of oral cancer and check your overall oral health. A healthy smile is a happy one!

Schedule an appointment!