April 01, 2026
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on education, prevention, and early detection. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. When caught early, it is much easier to treat successfully. Learning the warning signs and understanding your risk factors can help protect your health.
At Kennedy Dental, Dr. Kennedy is committed to helping patients stay informed about oral cancer in Portland and the importance of routine screenings.
Call our office today at 866-552-4346 to schedule your next dental exam.
Learn What Oral Cancer Is
Oral cancer happens when abnormal cells grow out of control in the tissues of the mouth or throat. These cells can form sores or tumors that may spread if not treated. Oral cancer is most often found on the tongue, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, or back of the throat.
One challenge is that early oral cancer may not cause pain. Because of this, people sometimes ignore early warning signs. Regular dental visits are essential because your dentist checks for unusual changes that you may not notice on your own.
Watch for Persistent Sores & Lumps
One of the most common warning signs of oral cancer is a sore that does not heal within two weeks. While minor mouth sores are common, they usually improve quickly. If a sore lingers or gets worse, it should be examined.
Other signs to watch for include:
Lumps or thick patches inside the mouth
Red or white patches on the gums or tongue
Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
Ongoing mouth pain
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Numbness in the lips or tongue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an evaluation. Early detection greatly improves outcomes for oral cancer in Portland.
Understand the Role of Tobacco
Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for oral cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and other smokeless products. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that damage the cells lining the mouth.
The longer someone uses tobacco, the greater the risk. Quitting tobacco is one of the most powerful steps you can take to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Recognize the Impact of Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use also increases the risk of oral cancer. Alcohol can irritate the tissues in your mouth, making them more vulnerable to harmful changes. When alcohol and tobacco are used together, the risk increases significantly.
Limiting alcohol consumption can help lower your risk and protect your overall health.
Learn About HPV & Oral Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16, has been linked to cancers in the back of the throat and mouth. HPV-related oral cancers have become more common in recent years.
Unlike traditional oral cancers linked to tobacco, HPV-related cancers may occur in younger individuals and those without a smoking history. Understanding this risk helps highlight the importance of regular screenings for everyone.
Get Regular Oral Cancer Screenings
Routine dental exams include oral cancer screenings. During your visit, Dr. Kennedy carefully examines your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat for unusual changes. The screening is quick, painless, and could be life-saving.
Screenings allow your dentist to track changes over time and identify concerns early. If something suspicious is found, early referral for further testing can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk
You can lower your risk of oral cancer by:
Avoiding tobacco products
Limiting alcohol consumption
Maintaining good oral hygiene
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Visiting your dentist regularly
Healthy habits support not only your smile but your entire body.
This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, take time to prioritize your health. If you have concerns or it's been a while since your last visit, call Kennedy Dental today at 866-552-4346 to schedule an exam with Dr. Kennedy.
