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Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating people about the risks, early signs, and prevention of this serious disease. Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Understanding the risk factors and prioritizing regular dental checkups can make a significant difference in saving lives.


Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. If left undetected, it can spread quickly and become life-threatening.


Common Risk Factors

While oral cancer can affect anyone, some factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes and using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk.
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking is linked to oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.
  • HPV Infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been associated with throat and oral cancers.
  • Excessive Sun Exposure: Overexposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene and Diet: Lack of proper oral care and a diet low in fruits and vegetables can contribute to oral cancer development.
  • Family History: A genetic predisposition may also play a role.


Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Early detection is key to successful treatment. Be on the lookout for:

  • Persistent sores in the mouth or on the lips that don’t heal
  • Red or white patches inside the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
  • Numbness in the mouth or face
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Unexplained weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, contact a dental professional immediately.


Prevention & Early Detection

You can take proactive steps to lower your risk of oral cancer:

  • Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Protect your lips with SPF-containing lip balm.
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
  • Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings.


The Importance of Regular Screenings

Dental professionals play a vital role in early detection. During a routine dental visit, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening to check for any suspicious changes in your mouth. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.


Let Rancho Bernardo Family Dental Care Help Protect Your Health

At Rancho Bernardo Family Dental Care, Dr. John Mobilia and his team are dedicated to your oral health. We offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental exam, ensuring that any warning signs are caught early.


Take charge of your health this Oral Cancer Awareness Month! Schedule a screening today by calling 858-385-1838 or emailing rbdentalcare@yahoo.com. Early detection saves lives!


Dr. John Mobilia, DMD 

Dr John, with over 30 years of experience. I went to the University of San Diego (USD) and received a bachelor's in chemistry. I earned my DMD graduating in the top 10% of my class from Boston University. I then continued on to a residency program in advanced education in general dentistry (AEDG) earning a certificate of advanced Dentistry (CAGS). I joined the Navy a year after finishing my residency. My Advanced degrees placed me in positions of higher responsibility and Leadership. After my honorable discharge , I practiced in the private sector in Tierrasanta for 13 years. Primarily caring to Navy families and their children.


 I then opened my own practice 13 years ago in Rancho Bernardo acquiring the most modern equipment available, while retaining that small town sense of individual attention, that seems to be lost in the corporate dental offices.

Dr. Julia Ng, DDS

Dr Ng, received her bachelors of science in Biology. She then received her DDS from University of the Pacific, San Francisco with high honors and an emphasis on general dentistry. She enjoys traveling and doing volunteer work. Her goal is to give back to the community that has given so much. She hopes to not only inspire her patients to have a healthier smile but to also lead healthier lives. Her free time is spent hiking, scuba diving and yoga. 

Nancy Vuong, RDH

Earned two AS Degrees in science at Mesa College, then completed the hygiene program at San Joaquin Valley College. She works full time as a dental hygienist and enjoys reading, hiking, running and outdoor activities with her two sons.