April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What you need to know

This piece is sponsored by The Team at Neighborhood Dental – proudly serving South Dakota with eight convenient locations.

At Neighborhood Dental, your health is always our priority — not just your teeth, but your overall health. That’s why we’re proud to support Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April, a time to shine a light on a serious health concern that is often overlooked. Keep reading for an exclusive Pigeon605 new-patient offer!

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat and surrounding tissues. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, though certain factors may increase the risk. Early detection is key, and regular dental checkups play a critical role in identifying the warning signs.

Common symptoms to watch for

In between dental visits, it is important to be mindful of potential signs and symptoms that could be related to oral cancer. Warning signs of mouth and throat cancers include the following:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.
• Numbness of the tongue or other areas in your mouth.
• Persistent earaches.
• Sores, soreness or irritation in the mouth, throat or lip that won’t heal.
• A white or red spot in your mouth, especially on the mucosal membrane, the inside cheek.
• Bleeding in the mouth that lasts more than a week.

If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, it’s time to schedule a visit.

Know the risk factors

While anyone can develop oral cancer, several factors can increase your risk:

• Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, vaping and chewing tobacco.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• HPV, or human papillomavirus, infection.
• Prolonged sun exposure to the lips.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• A family history of cancer.

Reducing these risks can significantly protect your long-term health.

Prevention and early detection

Although there are no proven ways to prevent oral cancer, there are preventative steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• See your dentist regularly. Your dentists and dental hygienists are the first to notice abnormalities in your mouth.
• Stray away from all uses of tobacco. Using tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
• Protect the skin on your lips. Lip cancer is directly related to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. Shield your lips from the sun by applying lip balm with a high SPF.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

We’re here to help — at every location

Every routine dental exam at Neighborhood Dental includes a screening for oral cancer. With eight convenient locations in South Dakota, our experienced team ensures that your mouth stays healthy and your smile brightens.

Whether it’s time for your next cleaning or you’ve noticed something unusual, don’t wait. Let April remind you to take action for your smile and health.

Commit to your oral health by scheduling your oral cancer screening today at a Neighborhood Dental near you.

Find your nearest location and take a step toward prevention.

• Sioux Falls
• Tea
• Brandon
• Harrisburg
• Beresford
• Yankton

Exclusive Pigeon605 offer

By scheduling your spring cleaning as a new patient, you can receive a $50 office credit valid through May 31, 2025. Click on the banner below to request an appointment.