April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time when dental professionals nationwide unite to raise awareness about this serious health concern. At City View Dental, we’re committed to not just creating beautiful smiles, but protecting your overall health through preventive care and early detection.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). While not as commonly discussed as other cancers, oral cancer claims one life every hour in the United States, with approximately 54,000 Americans diagnosed each year.
The Silent Threat
What makes oral cancer particularly dangerous is its ability to progress without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Many patients don’t realize something is wrong until the cancer has advanced, which is why we often refer to it as a “silent threat.”
Common Signs and Symptoms
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness in the mouth region
- Persistent ear pain
- Thickening of the cheek
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining
Risk Factors: What You Should Know
Understanding risk factors helps us identify patients who may need more frequent screenings.
Traditional Risk Factors
Historically, oral cancer has been associated with:
- Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco, snuff)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Combination of tobacco and alcohol use, which significantly increases risk
Emerging Risk Factors
More recently, we’ve seen changes in oral cancer patterns:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has become a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly in younger patients
- Prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancers)
- Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
- Weakened immune system
Early Detection: Our Commitment to Your Health
The good news about oral cancer is that when caught early, the survival rate dramatically improves. The five-year survival rate for localized oral cavity and pharynx cancers is approximately 85 percent, compared to only 40 percent when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Our Screening Process
At City View Dental, oral cancer screening is a standard part of your regular dental checkup. Our comprehensive screening includes:
- Visual examination of all oral tissues
- Physical palpation of the neck, jaw, and oral tissues to detect abnormalities
- Advanced technology tools to identify changes not visible to the naked eye
- Discussion of any symptoms you may have experienced
This quick, painless examination takes just a few minutes but could literally save your life.
The Connection Between Dental Visits and Early Detection
Regular dental visits play a crucial role in oral cancer detection. Studies show that dentists are often the first healthcare providers to notice signs of oral cancer. This is why maintaining your six-month checkup schedule is vital—not just for your dental health, but for your overall wellbeing.
Most oral cancers are discovered during routine dental exams, often before patients have noticed any symptoms themselves. This highlights why skipping dental appointments can be risky, especially if you have multiple risk factors.
Take Action This April
This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to:
- Schedule your regular dental checkup if you’re overdue
- Know your risk factors and discuss them with our team
- Perform monthly self-examinations at home
- Make lifestyle changes to reduce risk, such as quitting tobacco
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Call City View Dental today at 915-900-7540 to schedule a checkup and exam. You can also make an appointment online if you prefer. Your health is our priority—let us help you protect it.
