April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which makes now the perfect time to check in with your health. Oral cancer can begin with very subtle symptoms—or none at all. That’s why routine screenings during your dental visits are a powerful tool for early detection and prevention.
While smoking and excessive alcohol use are well-known causes, they’re not the only contributors. Prolonged sun exposure to the lips, HPV infection, and even a family history can increase your risk. Oral cancer doesn’t always follow predictable patterns, which is why it’s important for everyone to be screened—regardless of lifestyle.
Some of the earliest symptoms are easy to miss. Watch for sores that don’t heal, a lump that feels out of place, or changes in your speech or swallowing. If any unusual changes last more than two weeks, it’s time to get evaluated.
An oral cancer screening is a standard part of many dental checkups. Your dentist will examine your lips, tongue, gums, and throat for any visible or felt irregularities. It takes just minutes—and it could catch a problem long before it becomes serious.
Healthy habits like avoiding tobacco, reducing alcohol, and practicing good hygiene help, but nothing replaces the value of a professional screening. Finding oral cancer in its initial stages greatly improves the chances for successful treatment. It’s the right moment to reconnect with your health.
Oral cancer can’t always be seen or felt in its early stages—but your dentist knows what to look for. Take a moment to check in. Schedule your screening today at Scott A. Babin, DDS & Associates and take control of your health.
To visit us, call 425-243-0843 (Edmonds) or 425-242-3235 (Renton) for an appointment. You can also schedule online.
