April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Each April, we recognize Oral Cancer Awareness Month—a vital opportunity to educate and empower our community about the importance of early detection. Oral cancer is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed in its early stages, yet early diagnosis can make a life-saving difference.

Every hour, one American dies from oral cancer. Unlike some other types of cancer, survival rates for oral cancer have not seen significant improvement over the years. That’s largely because it is often detected too late—after it has already spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes in the neck. But there is good news: routine dental visits can play a crucial role in catching oral cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase your risk:

• Age: 95% of cases occur in people over the age of 40
• Tobacco Use: Smoking and smokeless tobacco significantly raise your risk
• Alcohol Consumption: Regular, heavy drinking is another major contributor
• Oral HPV Infection: A growing number of cases are linked to HPV
• No Known Risk Factors: Surprisingly, around 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people with no identifiable risk factors

This is why regular screenings are so important—even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms.

How We Screen for Oral Cancer at Dental Excellence

At Dental Excellence, we include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental appointments. These exams are quick, painless, and could make a life-saving difference.

Here’s what you can expect during a screening:

1. Visual Exam: We start with a careful look inside your mouth, checking for any irregularities, sores, or discoloration.
2. Advanced Technology: We use the VELscope®, a handheld, non-invasive device that helps detect unhealthy or dysplastic tissue before it becomes visible to the naked eye.
   • Healthy tissue appears bright green under the light.
   • Suspicious areas appear dark or black, signaling the need for further evaluation.
3. Next Steps if Needed: If anything unusual is found, we’ll recommend a follow-up exam or refer you for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Oral cancer doesn’t always cause pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings at your dental visits are critical. At Dental Excellence, we’re committed to protecting your health—not just your smile.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, now is the perfect time to take action. Let’s work together to catch potential issues early—before they become something more serious.

Because when it comes to oral cancer, early detection truly can save lives.

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