April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a powerful reminder that routine dental visits can be lifesaving. Oral cancer is a serious condition, but it is often treatable when caught early. During regular exams, your dentist looks for more than just cavities. They also check for signs of cancer that can be easy to miss. We’ll discuss what oral cancer is, who may be at risk, the key symptoms to watch for, and how simple steps like regular checkups with your dentist can help protect your health.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is classified into two groups: Cancers of the oral cavity and cancers of the oropharynx. The oral cavity variety affects your lips, teeth, gums, the floor and roof of your mouth, the inside of your cheeks, and the front two-thirds of your tongue. Oral cancer in the oropharynx is found in your throat, tonsils, base of your tongue, and the meeting spot of your tongue and the floor of your mouth.

Signs and Symptoms

Your dental team checks for oral cancer with each visit in prophylaxis dental checkups, and sharing information with them about symptoms you’ve noticed can help with diagnosis. Many signs could indicate that you have oral cancer, such as:

• A stubborn sore or irritation
• Red or white patches in the mouth (may appear as thick or raised areas)
• Numbness or tingling anywhere in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking for any reason
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifted teeth
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Changes in voice or hoarseness
• Change in denture fit
• Unexplained weight loss
• If spread to the lymph nodes:
  • Ear pain
  • Swelling in your neck

Who Can Get Oral Cancer?

While anyone can get oral cancer, some factors may put individuals at a higher risk of getting it. Here are the common risk factors for oral cancer and ways to mitigate the risks:

• Family history of cancer
• High tobacco and alcohol usage
  • Quit or reduce usage levels
• Lots of time in the sun without SPF lip balm
  • Invest in high-quality SPF lip balms when you do your regular sunscreen shopping
• Low amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet
  • Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet to help your mouth fight bacteria
• Poor dental hygiene
  • Adopt a daily dental routine to promote a healthy mouth
• HPV, Human Papillomavirus
  • Get the HPV vaccine or treatment for existing HPV

Difference Between an Ulcer and Mouth Cancer

Regular mouth ulcers or sores and oral cancer symptoms are often mistaken for one another. If you have a mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal within two weeks, it may be a sign of oral cancer and should be evaluated by a professional. While you can never be 100% certain without an oral cancer screening, here are some key differences to help you identify which is which.

Mouth Ulcers and Sores

It is common to get a sore spot in your mouth occasionally, especially after accidentally biting your cheek. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are usually caused by these minor injuries or irritations. Brushing too hard, eating acidic or spicy foods, and irritation from braces or poorly fitting dentures can also cause them. Other changes and vitamin deficiencies in your body are known to trigger them as well.

Unlike cancerous lesions, most mouth ulcers are short-lived and heal within 7 to 14 days. Keeping track of how long a sore lasts and whether it keeps coming back can help you and your dentist determine if something more serious may be going on.

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can take the form of a mouth ulcer or a canker sore that does not heal within two weeks. The key difference between the two is the length of time it takes to heal. IF you notice a sore, lump, or patch in your mouth that doesn’t heal in that time frame, it is time to have it checked by a dental professional. Cancerous lesions may appear as red or white patches, or as a thickened area that doesn’t go away. They might not always be painful, which is why regular screenings are so important.

If you wear dentures, pay attention to how they fit. Poorly fitting dentures can sometimes mask early signs of oral cancer or cause irritation that needs to be monitored closely. It’s important not to ignore any changes in your mouth, as early detection is key to effective treatment.

A Dental Checkup Can Save Your Life

At Springfield Dental Group, we care about your overall health, not just your teeth. If you haven’t had a routine dental checkup recently, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Early detection can make all the difference! Contact us today to book your screening appointment, which is completed during every dental exam.