An Urgent Reminder from Your Bay Village Dentist This April – Oral Cancer Awareness Month
At Mikula DDS, we’re committed to protecting more than just your smile—we’re here to protect your life. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to educate yourself on the early warning signs of oral cancer, why they matter, and what you can do to catch it early.
Close to 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 12,250 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day—many because it wasn’t detected early enough. Yet, with routine dental visits and knowledge of what to look for, oral cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught in its early stages.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, or sinuses. It can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. However, certain factors can increase your risk.
Common Risk Factors:
- Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
- Excessive sun exposure (especially for lips)
- Poor nutrition or immune function
- Family history of cancer
Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s still essential to get screened regularly. We’re seeing more cases in younger adults and non-smokers, often linked to HPV.
The Most Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
One of the most dangerous aspects of oral cancer is that it’s often painless in its early stages. That’s why knowing what to watch for—and taking small changes seriously—is critical.
Here are the top signs of oral cancer that you should never ignore:
1. Sores or Ulcers That Don’t Heal
A canker sore should heal within 1-2 weeks. If you have a sore in your mouth or on your lips that hasn’t healed after 14 days, it should be checked by a dentist.
2. Red or White Patches
Discolored patches in the mouth—especially red or white areas—can be early signs of abnormal cell changes. These are often painless but serious.
3. Lumps or Thickened Areas
Any unusual lump, bump, or thickened tissue in your mouth, neck, or jaw area should be evaluated promptly.
4. Persistent Hoarseness or Sore Throat
If you feel like you constantly have a sore throat, or if your voice sounds hoarse without a cold or flu, it could signal an issue in the throat or larynx.
5. Numbness or Tingling
Tingling, numbness, or a loss of sensation in the tongue, lips, or mouth is abnormal and worth a closer look.
6. Difficulty Swallowing, Chewing, or Moving the Jaw
If eating, drinking, or even speaking feels uncomfortable or restricted, it may be a sign of cancer affecting nearby tissues or muscles.
7. Loosening of Teeth or Dentures That No Longer Fit
Sudden changes in the way your teeth fit together or how your dentures sit may be due to underlying bone or tissue changes.
How Mikula DDS Helps with Early Detection
Every time you visit Mikula DDS in Bay Village, you’re not just getting your teeth cleaned—you’re getting a full oral cancer screening as part of your exam. It’s quick, painless, and often life-saving.
Our Screening Process Includes:
- Visual inspection of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat
- Palpation of the jaw and neck to check for lumps or swelling
- Discussion of symptoms and risk factors
- Referral to a specialist if anything suspicious is found
Even if you feel fine, these screenings are essential. Most early-stage oral cancers cause no pain or noticeable symptoms, so routine dental visits are your first line of defense.
Prevention Tips: Protect Yourself Year-Round
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to lower your risk of oral cancer:
- Quit all tobacco products—including vaping
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get the HPV vaccine, especially for teens and young adults
- Use SPF lip balm when outdoors
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and screenings
- Be aware of your mouth and report any changes that last longer than two weeks
When to See a Dentist or Doctor
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or just feel like something is “off” in your mouth, don’t wait. At Mikula DDS, we’d rather evaluate a harmless sore than miss something that could become life-threatening.
Awareness Saves Lives
By understanding the warning signs of oral cancer and committing to regular dental visits, you’re taking control of your health. At Mikula DDS, we’re proud to support our Bay Village community with education, prevention, and expert care. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to act—not just to learn. Take 60 seconds today to schedule a checkup that could make all the difference. We’re here to answer your questions, perform regular oral cancer screenings, and provide compassionate, comprehensive care that puts your health first.
This April, let’s fight oral cancer together—one checkup at a time.