I am very thankful that I have been fortunate enough to find this Dentist Office. The entire staff are very pleasant and genuinely care about a good outcome regardless of your situation. You could not ask for better. Dr. Parker is great…😀 …
April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to highlight the importance of early detection in fighting this serious disease. At River Oaks Dental Care, we’re committed to protecting not just your smile, but your overall health. That’s why we include comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of every routine dental cleaning and examination.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). According to the American Cancer Society, over 54,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, and sadly, one person dies from oral cancer every hour in the United States.
The statistics sound alarming, but there’s hope in early detection. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer patients is approximately 85 percent. However, this rate drops dramatically to 39 percent in cases where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body before diagnosis.
Risk Factors You Should Know
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors may increase your risk:
- Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Age (most cases occur in people over 40)
- Poor nutrition
- Weakened immune system
Even if you don’t have these risk factors, regular screenings remain essential. Surprisingly, 25 percent of oral cancer cases occur in patients with no known risk factors, underscoring the importance of routine screenings for everyone.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Between dental visits, be aware of these potential warning signs:
- Persistent sores, lumps, or thick patches in the mouth, lip, or throat
- White, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Ear pain without hearing loss
- Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks, please contact River Oaks Dental Care promptly.
Our Screening Process: Simple Yet Lifesaving
At River Oaks Dental Care, we’ve integrated oral cancer screening into every routine dental examination. Our screening process is quick, painless, and could literally save your life. Here’s what to expect:
- Visual Examination: Our dentists thoroughly inspect your face, neck, lips, inside of your nose, and oral cavity for signs of asymmetry, swelling, discoloration, or ulcerations.
- Physical Examination: We gently palpate your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes, checking for unusual masses or immobility.
- Specialized Approaches: Dr. Parker will also perform saliva testing.
- Discussion: We’ll talk about any risk factors you may have and provide guidance on reducing these risks.
The entire screening takes just a few minutes and is performed during your regular dental cleaning appointment – no additional visits required.
Early Detection Makes All the Difference
The power of early detection cannot be overstated. Oral cancer’s high mortality rate isn’t because it’s particularly difficult to diagnose or treat, but because it’s often discovered late in its development. Regular screenings are your first line of defense.
We’ve identified suspicious tissues in patients who showed no symptoms and had no awareness of any problem. These early interventions have led to timely treatment and favorable outcomes that might not have been possible with delayed diagnosis.
Your Next Step: Schedule Your Examination
This April, during Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health by scheduling a comprehensive dental examination that includes oral cancer screening.
If it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, or if you’ve noticed any unusual changes in your mouth, please contact us to arrange an appointment. Remember, regular dental visits aren’t just about maintaining a beautiful smile—they’re an essential component of your overall health care.
Your health is our priority, and we’re committed to providing the thorough, compassionate care you deserve. Call River Oaks Dental Care today at 256-274-8680 to schedule your appointment. You can also request an appointment online if you prefer.
Together, we can fight oral cancer through awareness, prevention, and early detection.