April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful opportunity to encourage patients to stay alert. Oral cancer often develops quietly, without early pain or discomfort, which is why routine screenings during dental visits play a critical role in early detection and prevention.
While smoking and heavy alcohol use are well-known risk factors, oral cancer isn’t limited to these habits. It can also be linked to sun exposure, HPV, or even genetic predisposition. You don’t have to fit a specific profile to be vulnerable—which makes regular screenings essential for everyone.
Some signs may seem harmless: a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in speech, or a spot that feels rough. These symptoms might be easy to brush off, but if they persist longer than two weeks, they deserve a closer look from your dentist.
Oral cancer screenings are typically part of a routine dental exam. Your dentist will inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and the back of your throat for abnormalities. It’s a quick, painless process that could lead to early discovery—when treatment options are most effective.
You can reduce your risk by quitting tobacco, drinking less alcohol, using SPF lip balm, and practicing good oral hygiene. But even the healthiest habits can’t replace the value of professional screenings.
Oral cancer may be silent, but your response doesn’t have to be. Stay alert and book your screening at Mate & Huaman Dentistry today. Early detection could make all the difference for your health and peace of mind.
Call us today at 904-589-6129 for an appointment in Middleburg, FL. You can also schedule online.
