April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month—a time to take notice of one of the most overlooked yet serious health concerns. Oral cancer often develops without pain or clear symptoms, which is why routine screenings during dental visits are essential for spotting early warning signs before they become dangerous.

Understanding the Risk

While smoking and alcohol use are well-known contributors to oral cancer, they’re not the only ones. Exposure to the sun, especially on the lips, and certain strains of HPV can also increase your risk. Even people without these factors aren’t immune, making regular checkups important for everyone.

What You Might Miss

Early signs of oral cancer can appear mild or harmless: a small sore, a patch of discoloration, or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t go away. These symptoms might be easy to ignore—but doing so could allow a serious issue to grow undetected. Any changes lasting more than two weeks should be examined by a dentist.

Simple, Preventive Screenings

Your dentist can screen for oral cancer in just a few minutes during a regular visit. This involves checking your mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for anything unusual. It’s quick, painless, and could play a life-saving role in your long-term health.

Make Prevention Part of Your Routine

Protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, stay sun-safe, and maintain good oral hygiene. Most importantly, keep your dental appointments—screenings are a vital part of staying healthy.

Make Time to Take Notice

Oral cancer is easiest to treat when found early. Don’t wait—take notice of your health and schedule your screening at Gunnerson Dental today. A short visit could make a lasting impact. Call us at 385-993-3591 for an appointment in Payson, UT. You can also make an appointment online.