Dr. Moses and the dental staff are absolutely phenomenal! From the moment I walked in, they made me feel incredibly comfortable and at ease. Their professionalism and attention to detail truly shine through in their work. Thanks to them, my smile has truly come to life! I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care. Thank you, Dr. Moses and team, for your exceptional care and expertise!
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a perfect time to highlight an often-overlooked truth: your dentist plays a critical role in oral cancer detection. While oral cancer may not receive as much attention as some other cancers, it affects thousands of people each year. As with other cancers, catching it early can dramatically improve outcomes. That’s why keeping up with regular dental exams is so important.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers that develop in the mouth or throat, commonly starting in the soft tissues such as the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, or the back of the throat. These changes can begin subtly and may not cause discomfort at first, making them easy to miss without a professional evaluation. Routine dental visits give your dentist the opportunity to spot concerning changes before they progress.
Warning Signs & Risk Factors
Recognizing potential symptoms and risk factors can help prompt earlier evaluation. If any of the following signs last longer than two weeks, it’s important to have them checked:
- Mouth sores that don’t heal
- Lumps, thickened areas, or unusual growths
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lingering sore throat or the feeling of something stuck
- Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Swelling or numbness in the jaw or mouth
Certain lifestyle and health factors can also raise the risk of developing oral cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure to the lips, poor nutrition, and a weakened immune system. Awareness of these risks allows you to be proactive about your oral and overall health.
Why Dental Exams Are So Important
Dentists are often the first healthcare providers to identify early warning signs of oral cancer. During routine exams, we carefully examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. These screenings are quick, painless, and potentially lifesaving.
Research shows that early-stage oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate – around 85 percent when detected before spreading, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Unfortunately, many early changes cause little or no pain, which is why regular dental visits are such a critical part of oral cancer detection.
How to Check at Home Between Visits
Professional screenings are essential, but self-awareness matters too. Between appointments, you can perform simple checks at home:
- Use a mirror and good lighting to examine your mouth
- Watch for sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Look for changes in color, texture, or shape
- Pay attention to ongoing pain, numbness, or difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
If anything looks or feels unusual, don’t wait—contact our office promptly for an evaluation.
Make Oral Cancer Detection a Priority
Oral cancer doesn’t always announce itself early, but dental exams can reveal problems before symptoms become obvious. At Seabrook Family Dental, oral cancer screening is a routine part of your checkup because we know that early detection truly saves lives.
If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, now is the ideal time to schedule an appointment. Protecting your oral health means protecting your overall health.
Call Seabrook Family Dental at 301-215-2548 today to schedule your dental exam and screening in Lanham, MD. You can also schedule online.