April is recognized as Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer occurs when cells in an individual’s mouth tissues mutate and divide uncontrollably. We want to remind our patients that early detection is key, and that scheduling screenings for this lesser-known disease is significant to maintaining a healthy smile for years to come. 

Read on to learn about the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatments for oral cancer, and what steps you can take to prevent this disease.

There are several key steps that you can take to protect yourself from oral cancer. The most important step is to be routinely screened for the disease. To be screened, you can simply book a regular check-up with your dentist. Dentists scan for any signs or symptoms, and will examine your mouth and lips for anomalies including:

• Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
• Irritations or surface changes in the mouth such as bumps, lumps, or progressive swelling
• Chronic ulcer(s)
• Persistent red or white speckled patches
• Prolonged hoarseness
• Sores
• Unexplained teeth movement 
• Unexplained oral bleeding

Some additional steps that you can take to prevent oral cancer are avoiding the use of tobacco products, moderate and decrease your alcohol consumption, regularly visit the dentist, limit exposure to direct sunlight, and vaccinate for Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Oropharyngeal Cancer—a specific type of oral cancer—is believed to be caused by HPV. According to Yale Medicine, nearly 80 million Americans have HPV, therefore, almost half of the U.S. population is at high-risk for this disease. 

If not diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer can be life-threatening. The best way to get ahead of the disease is with preventative care and early detection. Oral cancer can be found in numerous areas of the mouth such as:

• Cheeks
• Floor of mouth
• Hard and soft palates
• Lips
• Sinuses
• Throat
• Tongue

According to the American Cancer Society, only 50% of oral cancer patients are cured, and oral cancer kills one person per hour. This survival rate is low, due to the disease usually being diagnosed in late stages. Maintaining a healthy mouth requires more than basic oral hygiene. Both lifestyle and diet changes, as well as routine dental cleanings and exams are vital. 

St. George’s Dental Clinic staff encourages you to schedule regular dental appointments, so we can help you maintain healthy oral hygiene. Call us today at 304-478-6000 for more information.