April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month—a time dedicated to shining a light on a disease that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year. Oral cancer can develop on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. When detected early, it’s highly treatable—but early detection depends on awareness and action.
Why Oral Cancer Deserves Your Attention
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 58,500 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Unfortunately, many of these cases are discovered late in the disease’s progression, leading to more invasive treatment and lower survival rates. The good news? Regular dental visits, lifestyle changes, and self-exams can significantly improve outcomes.
The Role of Your Dentist in Prevention and Early Detection
Your dentist does more than just clean teeth—they are your first line of defense in spotting the early signs of oral cancer. At Elite Smiles, we perform thorough oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental exams, examining your mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues for any unusual signs like sores, discoloration, or lumps.
These screenings are quick, painless, and could be lifesaving. That’s why staying on track with your dental visits is so important—even if everything feels fine.
What You Can Do at Home: Self-Exams Matter
Between dental visits, performing at-home self-exams is another powerful way to stay proactive. Here’s how:
- Look and feel: Use a mirror and good lighting to inspect your lips, gums, tongue (including the underside), the inside of your cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Gently feel for any lumps or changes in texture.
- Watch for warning signs: Persistent mouth sores, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, chronic sore throat, or hoarseness that doesn’t go away are all reasons to call your dentist.
- Be consistent: Set a monthly reminder to check in with yourself—early detection is all about being proactive.
If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at Elite Smiles so we can take a closer look.
Risk Factors: What to Avoid and What to Know
Several lifestyle habits and health factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. While some risks are out of your control, many are preventable:
- Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer.
- Heavy alcohol use: Frequent alcohol consumption increases your risk, especially when combined with tobacco.
- HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (especially strain HPV-16) is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in younger adults.
- Excessive sun exposure: This can lead to lip cancer—wear lip balm with SPF.
- Poor oral hygiene and nutrition: A healthy mouth and diet support your immune system and reduce your risk.
Making mindful lifestyle choices can significantly lower your chances of developing oral cancer.
Your Health Starts Here
Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to start conversations that save lives. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, now is the time to schedule. Encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same—a simple, painless screening could make all the difference.
At Elite Smiles, we’re here to help you stay informed, healthy, and supported every step of the way. Together, let’s raise awareness, encourage prevention, and advocate for early detection—not just in April, but all year long.
Call us today at 801-572-6262 or book online to schedule your oral cancer screening. Your health is worth it!