April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to start thinking seriously about maintaining your oral health, even beyond just cavities and gum disease. Our dentists and oral hygienists at Babylon Dental Care have helped our patients and clientele detect the early signs of oral cancer—and if you catch the signs early on, it just may save your life.
What Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month?
Oral Cancer Awareness Month campaigns in April are meant to share facts about oral cancer, educate people about the risk factors and prevention strategies for oral cancer, and solidify the life-saving importance of screenings.
Nearly 59,660 Americans receive an oral or oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis each year—a sobering statistic that highlights a serious health concern. When caught early, the survival rate can reach as high as 80-90%, but when diagnosed at late stages, the five-year survival rate drops significantly.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
If you know the risk factors for oral cancer, you can take the first steps toward effective oral cancer prevention. Some are unavoidable, but you can control the other lifestyle-related choices:
- Tobacco use: Oral cancer and tobacco use are strongly linked, and smoking and using smokeless tobacco are the largest risk factors for your chances of contracting oral cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can significantly increase your risk, and when combined with tobacco use, heavy drinkers are about 30 times more likely to contract oral cancer compared to non-users.
- HPV infection: Human Papillomavirus, particularly HPV-16, causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.
- Sun exposure: If you maintain extended exposure to sunlight, you likely increase your risk of contracting lip cancer.
- Age: After age 40, you face an increased risk of oral cancer, with the average age of diagnosis being 63.
- Gender: On average, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer compared to women.
- Poor nutrition: If your typical diet lacks fruits and vegetables, you may have an increased risk of oral cancer.
How to Reduce the Risk of Oral Cancer
You can significantly reduce your chances of oral cancer via lifestyle changes, smart choices, and regular screenings.
- Quit tobacco in all forms
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Apply lip balm with SPF protection
- Eat fruits and vegetables regularly
- Brush and floss daily
- Visit your dentist or oral hygienist, such as Babylon Dental Care, for regular check-ups and screenings
- Get vaccinated against HPV, which can reduce your chance of contracting an oral HPV infection by more than 90%.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of potential oral cancer could save your life. We recommend learning these warning signs and performing self-examinations between dental visits.
- Any persistent sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Ongoing, unexplained pain or tenderness in the mouth or throat
- Unusual red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining
- Eating difficulties when chewing or swallowing
- Unusual lumps or thickenings in your cheek or neck
- Numbness in your mouth, face, or neck area
- Loose teeth without a dental cause
- Jaw problems or difficulty opening your mouth or moving your jaw
- Voice changes or ongoing hoarseness
- Weight loss without a good explanation
If you notice any symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Babylon Dental Care immediately. Detecting the signs of oral cancer early can dramatically improve your oral cancer treatment options and outcomes.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
A dental appointment at Babylon Dental Care involves more than just cleanings—it also includes a comprehensive exam that can detect potential signs of oral cancer, even before you feel any symptoms appear.
During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to:
- Schedule your next dental check-up
- Perform monthly self-examinations at home
- Talk to your dental provider about your specific risk factors
- Share this information with friends and family to spread awareness
Good oral health is necessary for good overall health—and catching the signs of oral cancer early will provide the broadest range of oral cancer treatment options. We have helped patients at Babylon Dental Care to identify these warning signs early and refer out oral surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, to our most trusted partners in the industry. We want to partner with you to maintain your best dental health, even after you walk out our doors.
Preserving Your Oral Health with Babylon Dental Care
For over 40 years, Babylon Dental Care has welcomed patients like you into our family. You’ll receive a genuine smile and welcome each time you visit. From routine cleanings to specialized care, our comprehensive services will support your health and well-being goals at every life stage.
Don’t put your oral health at risk. Contact us today at (631) 983-6665 or fill out our online form to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and oral cancer screening. Your smile matters to us, so get in touch today! You’ll be glad you did.