April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so today we will go over the risks and symptoms of oral cancer. There were 58,450 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2024, and 12,230 deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

Oral cancer is a serious health concern, and early detection can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. What is oral cancer? These are cancers developing anywhere in the mouth, including the gums, lips, tongue, bottom of the mouth, the inner cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. Early detection plays a critical role in the successful treatment of oral cancer, which falls under the category of head and neck cancers.

You should always have your dentist examine your mouth regularly during routine dental visits in Piedmont CA. As a preventive measure, oral cancer screenings should be part of your biannual checkups.

1. Risk Factors

There are numerous factors can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, from lifestyle habits to age to family history. Some of the most common risk factors include:

  • Family history: A genetic predisposition elevates risk.
  • Age: Individuals over 50 years old are at greater risk.
  • Gender: Males are 2x as likely to develop oral cancer as females.
  • Excessive sun exposure: Particularly in the case of lip cancers.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption: People who drink heavily are 6x more likely to get oral cancer.
  • Tobacco use: Smoking cigars, cigarettes, or pipes greatly raises the risk, with smokers being 6x more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
  • Smokeless tobacco: Using chewing tobacco or snuff elevates risk by 50 times.
  • Vaping: Vaping elevates the risk of oral and lung cancers, even though the risk isn’t as high as traditional smoking.
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV comes with a higher risk of oral cancer.

Even if you don’t take part in risky behaviors, such as smoking or drinking, you can still develop oral cancer. Upwards of 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people who either drink alcohol only occasionally or who have never even smoked.

2. Symptoms

Your dentist will be on the lookout for these signs during a routine dental exam that may indicate the presence of oral cancer. These symptoms include:

  1. Sores on the neck, face, or mouth that tend to bleed easily and do not heal within at least two weeks.
  2. Numbness, tenderness, or pain in the mouth, face, or neck.
  3. Red, white, or mixed red-and-white patches inside the mouth.
  4. Swelling, thickening, or the presence of lumps, rough patches, or crusty areas on the gums or lips.
  5. Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.

Tell your dentist right away if you notice any of these additional symptoms:

  • Persistent ear pain.
  • change in your voice, such as hoarseness.
  • Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue or jaw.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • A sensation of something being stuck in the back of the throat.

3. Importance of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings

Regular oral cancer screenings are equally important and could be life-saving, even though you may think that dental cleanings and checkups may seem focused solely on plaque removal and oral hygiene. Read on for some reasons why these screenings matter:

  • Early cancer detection: Identifying cancer at an early stage gives you the best chance for successful treatment and recovery.
  • Cancer prevention: Screenings help ensure that you are cancer-free, allowing your dentist to offer advice on lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing oral cancer in the future. This is particularly important if you fall into a high-risk category.
  • Establishing a baseline: Conducting regular screenings allows your dentist to establish a baseline for your oral health. Then, timely action can be taken if changes are detected during future visits.
  • Assessing risk factors: There may be no guarantee of developing cancer, but regular screenings help assess your personal risk level based on your family history, age, and lifestyle.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening at Piedmont Oaks Dental

At Piedmont Oaks Dental, we put your oral health first, offering comprehensive screenings for oral cancer during your regular dental visits. You don’t have to schedule a separate appointment for a screening because it is included in your routine checkup. However, if you notice any concerning symptoms between visits, don’t hesitate to book your appointment at Piedmont Oaks Dental or call us at (510) 654-6523. Regular screenings could save your life so please schedule yours today!