Oral Cancer Awareness: Know the Signs, Save Lives
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that affects tens of thousands of ...
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that affects tens of thousands of people every year—but is often overlooked. We believe education is a powerful tool in the fight against oral cancer. Knowing the risks, recognizing early symptoms, and staying consistent with dental checkups can make a life-saving difference.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and sinuses. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable, but because it can go unnoticed in its early stages, many cases are diagnosed late—making awareness and early detection crucial.
Who Is at Risk?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it:
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure (linked to lip cancer)
- Family history of cancer
- Poor oral hygiene or diet low in fruits and vegetables
It’s important to remember that even individuals with none of these risk factors can still develop oral cancer, which is why regular screenings are essential for everyone.
Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Being aware of the signs and symptoms can help you catch potential problems early. Watch for:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
- A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth.
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth.
- Bleeding, pain or numbness in the lip or mouth.
- Change in voice.
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well.
- Trouble chewing or swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw.
- Swelling of the jaw.
- Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat.
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, schedule a dental or medical evaluation as soon as possible.
How Dentists Help with Early Detection
We perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental checkups. During the exam, we carefully inspect the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, throat, and jaw for any abnormalities. This simple, quick screening can identify early signs of oral cancer and lead to timely intervention.
What You Can Do
- Get regular dental checkups. Ask your dentist if you are receiving an oral cancer screening.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use.
- Practice good oral hygiene and maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay informed and talk to your dentist about any changes or concerns.
- Educate others by spreading awareness in your community.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Oral cancer is a serious health issue—but it’s one we can fight together through awareness, prevention, and early detection. This April, join us in supporting Oral Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling your dental checkup and encouraging your loved ones to do the same. A few minutes in the dental chair could save a life.
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The content of this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Process
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and none of the restrictions that come with metal braces.
Your Invisalign doctor will create a unique, digital treatment plan that maps out the exact movements of your teeth. Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your plan. Your Invisalign doctor will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and ensure your aligners fit correctly.
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible — people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions. There are no metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break. Unlike other brands, Invisalign clear aligners are made from patented SmartTrack material, which makes them comfortable and provides a better fit. Invisalign aligners are also trimmed based on your gum line for comfort and appearance.
Treatment
Invisalign clear aligners are made from SmartTrack proprietary material to deliver more predictable tooth movements.6 Unlike most other clear aligners and retainers, Invisalign aligners and retainers are trimmed based on each patient’s gum line to provide optimal patient comfort and aesthetics.
Maintenance
Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible. Others may not even notice you’re wearing them, making Invisalign treatment a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Yes, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You can take them off for special occasions, like a wedding, job interview, or for playing your favorite sport or instrument. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear your aligners each day, but typically people wear their Invisalign aligners 20 to 22 hours a day to get the best results.
None! Invisalign clear aligners are removable, so there are no food restrictions at all (hello popcorn!). With traditional wires and brackets, there’s a long list of foods you unfortunately can’t enjoy because they can damage or get stuck in your braces
