April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on a serious condition that often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat, and early detection plays a major role in successful treatment.
Learning more about oral cancer in Lake Oswego helps you recognize warning signs and know when to seek care. At Westlake Family Dentistry, Dr. Sievert is committed to protecting patients' oral and overall health through education and routine screenings.
Call us today at 503-386-1640 to schedule your next dental exam.
Learn What Oral Cancer Is
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues of the mouth or throat. These abnormal cells can form tumors and spread if not detected early. While oral cancer is more common in adults over 40, it can affect people of all ages.
One challenge with oral cancer is that it may not cause pain in its early stages. Because symptoms can be subtle, regular dental visits are essential for identifying changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Watch for Common Warning Signs
Knowing what to look for can make a life-saving difference. Oral cancer often presents with symptoms that don't heal or go away on their own.
Common warning signs include:
A mouth sore that lasts longer than two weeks
Lumps, thickened areas, or rough patches in the mouth
Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
Ongoing mouth pain or tenderness
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Numbness in the lips, tongue, or mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to have them evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes for oral cancer.
Understand Key Risk Factors
Certain behaviors and health factors increase the risk of oral cancer. Tobacco use is the leading risk factor and includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products. Tobacco exposes oral tissues to harmful chemicals that can damage cells over time.
Excessive alcohol consumption is another major risk factor. Alcohol irritates oral tissues and, when combined with tobacco use, significantly increases oral cancer risk.
HPV (human papillomavirus), especially HPV-16, is also linked to oral cancers, particularly those affecting the throat and back of the mouth. HPV-related oral cancer has become more common, even among people without a history of tobacco use.
Take Oral Cancer Seriously Even Without Pain
A common misconception is that oral cancer always causes discomfort. In reality, early oral cancer is often painless. This can lead people to ignore symptoms or delay seeking care.
Routine dental exams play a crucial role in detection. During your visit, Dr. Sievert examines your mouth, tongue, gums, and throat for unusual changes. These screenings are quick and painless but can be lifesaving.
Reduce Your Risk With Healthy Habits
While not all cases of oral cancer can be prevented, healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk. Avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining good oral hygiene all help protect oral tissues.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports immune health and helps your body fight abnormal cell changes. Staying informed and proactive is an important part of prevention.
Schedule Regular Dental Exams & Screenings
Dental visits are about more than clean teeth. Oral cancer screenings are a routine part of comprehensive exams and help identify concerns early. Tracking changes over time allows your dentist to spot subtle warning signs.
If something unusual is found, early referral for further evaluation can make a significant difference in treatment success.
Know When to Seek Help
If you notice a sore, lump, or change in your mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks, don't wait. Even if the issue turns out to be harmless, getting it checked provides peace of mind and protects your health.
This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, take an active role in protecting your health. Call Westlake Family Dentistry today at 503-386-1640 to schedule an exam with Dr. Sievert and learn more about detecting and preventing oral cancer in Lake Oswego.
