April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight an often-overlooked threat to your health. At Vail Dental Associates, Dr. Vail and our team take oral cancer detection in Arbutus seriously because we know that catching this disease early can save your life. Many people don’t realize that their routine dental checkup includes a thorough screening for oral cancer – a simple examination that takes just minutes but could make all the difference.
Every year, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or throat cancer. Sadly, about one person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. The good news? When detected early, the survival rate for oral cancer exceeds 80 percent. That’s why your regular dental visits are so important.
Call our office today at 240-474-9916 to schedule your next checkup with Dr. Vail.
Oral cancer can develop in any part of your mouth or throat. It most commonly appears on the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, and the soft tissues at the back of your throat. Early signs often look harmless, which is why many people ignore them until it’s too late.
Warning signs include white or red patches in your mouth, sores that don’t heal within two weeks, lumps or thick areas in your cheek, numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. You might also experience a persistent sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in your throat.
The problem is that early-stage oral cancer is usually painless. Most people only seek help when symptoms become severe, but by then, the cancer may have already spread.
During your regular checkup, Dr. Vail performs a comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of your examination. This screening is quick, painless, and could save your life.
He starts by examining the outside of your mouth, feeling for lumps or irregularities in your jaw, neck, and under your chin. Then he looks inside your mouth with a bright light, checking your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, the roof of your mouth, and your throat. He is looking for any discoloration, sores, or unusual tissue changes.
Dr. Vail gently feels the tissues inside your mouth to detect any lumps or abnormalities that might not be visible. He also asks about any symptoms you’ve noticed, like pain, numbness, or difficulty swallowing. In some cases, he may use special screening technologies like fluorescent lights or dyes that help identify suspicious areas.
If he finds anything concerning, you’ll receive a recommendation for a biopsy or a referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Early investigation is always better than waiting to see if something gets worse.
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase your risk significantly. Tobacco use – including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco – is the leading cause of oral cancer. Alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco, dramatically raises your risk.
HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, particularly HPV-16, has become a major cause of throat cancers in recent years. Excessive sun exposure increases your risk of lip cancer. Having a weakened immune system and being over age 45 also puts you at higher risk.
Men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer, though cases in women are increasing. If you have any risk factors, more frequent screenings become even more critical.
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer through simple lifestyle changes. Avoid all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which provide protective antioxidants. Use lip balm with SPF protection when outdoors.
Practice good oral hygiene and perform monthly self-exams at home. Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in your mouth. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait for your next appointment – call our office right away.
Regular dental visits give Dr. Vail the opportunity to catch oral cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. With oral cancer detection in Arbutus, early intervention can mean less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and a higher chance of complete recovery.
Don’t skip your dental appointments. They’re about more than just clean teeth – they’re a vital part of your overall health care. Call Vail Dental Associates today at 240-474-9916 to schedule your comprehensive exam and oral cancer screening with Dr. Vail.
