Mouth Cancer ACtion Month: Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter More Than You Think
At Oasis Dental, preventive care is at the heart of everything we do.
This November, in honor of Mouth Cancer Action Month, we’re taking time to highlight one of the most important services we provide at every routine visit: oral cancer screenings.
Early detection truly saves lives, yet most oral cancers are not diagnosed until they’ve already progressed. The earliest signs are often subtle — small changes in the mouth that can easily go unnoticed at home. That’s why having a trained dental professional examine your tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and throat on a regular basis is essential to your oral and overall health.
You Don’t Need to Smoke to Be at Risk
While tobacco and alcohol use are well-known risk factors, oral cancer can affect anyone. In fact, a growing number of cases are linked to HPV, sun exposure to the lips, genetics, and other lifestyle factors. It’s important to understand that non-smokers are not exempt from risk, another reason routine screenings are so important.
What We Look For During Your Screening
Your oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and seamlessly integrated into your regular exam. During your visit, we carefully check for:
Persistent sores or ulcers
Red or white patches
Lumps, thickened tissue, or areas that feel different
Changes in texture, color, or symmetry
Tenderness or difficulty swallowing
Most of the time, everything looks perfectly healthy, but if something seems unusual, we’ll discuss next steps right away and guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Protect Your Lips, Protect Your Health
One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk is by protecting your lips from the sun. The skin on your lips is especially delicate and can develop both skin cancer and early oral cancer changes from UV exposure.
We recommend:
Daily SPF lip balm
Reapplying throughout the day, especially outdoors
Avoiding the sun and tanning beds
Small habits make a big difference.
Your Wellness Matters — Schedule Your Next Visit
Oral cancer screenings are one of the many ways we care for you as a whole person, not just your teeth. By staying consistent with your routine dental visits, you're giving yourself the best chance at early detection and long-term health.
If it’s been a while since your last checkup, Mouth Cancer Action Month is the perfect reminder to schedule your next appointment. We’re here to support you with comfortable, comprehensive care every step of the way.
