Oral cancer affects the inside of the mouth and, left unaddressed, can spread to the head, neck, and other parts of the body. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it a fitting time to review the risk factors, warning signs, and screening process that can help catch it early, when treatment tends to be most effective.
At Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen, an oral cancer check is part of nearly every routine exam we perform, not a separate add-on appointment. Here is what we look for and why the screening matters.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Oral cancer’s most notable risk factors include things like:
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking cigarettes or cigars makes oral cancer more likely, and heavy alcohol use raises the risk further, especially when combined with tobacco.
- HPV exposure: The human papillomavirus is an increasingly common cause of oral and throat cancers, including in patients without a history of tobacco or heavy alcohol use.
- Age and genetics: Oral cancer often takes years to develop, so it typically affects people aged 40 and older, and a family history can raise personal risk.
There is no way to prevent oral cancer with certainty, but managing the risk factors above can make it meaningfully less likely.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Because oral cancer affects the mouth, its signs can resemble other common mouth problems, which is part of why it is so often missed. Watch for a sore on the lip or inside the mouth that will not heal, a rough or crusty patch on the lips or gums, a white or reddish patch inside the mouth, ongoing difficulty chewing or swallowing, an unexplained growth or lump, or a tooth that becomes loose without an obvious cause. None of these signs confirm oral cancer on their own, but any of them is worth having a dentist examine.
How Dentists Screen for Oral Cancer
Knowing the risk factors and signs is helpful, but you cannot diagnose oral cancer on your own. You should have your local dentist screen for it, since training lets a dental team recognize the condition. A dentist’s oral cancer screening follows a few simple steps. First, your mouth is rinsed with a cleansing solution. Your dentist then examines your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat, feeling for any unusual lumps or texture changes. If a suspicious area turns up, your dental team will document it and determine the appropriate next step, which may include a referral to a specialist.
Why Early Detection Changes the Outlook
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed in tens of thousands of Americans each year, and outcomes are consistently better the earlier the cancer is caught. This is exactly why routine screenings matter, even if you feel completely fine and have none of the risk factors above.
How Advanced Technology Supports Screening
Visual and tactile exams remain the foundation of oral cancer screening, but some practices supplement that exam with additional tools. Our office also uses advanced screening technology like OralID to help identify tissue changes that may not be obvious to the eye alone during a standard visual exam.
To honor Oral Cancer Awareness Month, make sure to keep the facts above in mind, and do not skip your next routine exam even if nothing feels wrong.
Comprehensive Dental Care in Jacksonville
Distinctive Dentistry by Mullens & Nguyen is based in Jacksonville, FL. Led by Drs. Richard Mullens and James Nguyen, our practice aims to give you quality dental care with an artistic touch. We offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as urgent oral treatments, and our team will screen you for oral cancer at every dental checkup.
For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Awareness
How often should I get screened for oral cancer?
An oral cancer screening is typically included as part of your routine dental exam, so most patients are screened roughly twice a year. Your dentist may recommend more frequent screening based on your personal risk factors.
Does oral cancer only affect people who use tobacco or alcohol?
No. While tobacco and heavy alcohol use are significant risk factors, HPV exposure has become an increasingly common cause of oral and throat cancers, including in patients with no history of either habit.
Is an oral cancer screening uncomfortable?
No. A standard screening takes just a few minutes and involves a visual exam and a gentle feel of the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and throat. It requires no needles, no imaging, and no downtime.
What happens if my dentist finds something unusual during a screening?
Your dentist will document the area and determine the appropriate next step, which may include continued monitoring or a referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Finding something unusual does not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis.
Can HPV really cause oral cancer?
Yes. HPV is now recognized as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, and it can affect people who have never used tobacco or alcohol. This is one reason routine screening matters for patients of all backgrounds.
