Protect your smile—and your life—with early detection.

Every April, health professionals across the nation come together to spotlight a serious but often overlooked health issue—oral cancer. At Riverside Dental Center, we're proud to participate in Oral Cancer Awareness Month to educate, screen, and protect our patients through early detection and awareness.

Why Oral Cancer Awareness Matters

Did you know that more than 54,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year? Tragically, around 10,000 people will lose their lives to it. But here’s the good news: when caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable.

Regular dental visits are critical—not just for your teeth, but for your total health. At Riverside Dental Center, we include oral cancer screenings as part of your routine checkups, because early detection saves lives.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers that occur in the mouth and throat area. This includes the:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Cheeks
• Gums
• Roof or floor of the mouth
• Tonsils and throat (oropharynx)

It can present as a sore, lump, patch, or irritation that doesn’t heal.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Oral cancer may not always cause pain or visible symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s so dangerous. Look out for:

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that lasts more than two weeks
• A lump, bump, or thickened area in the mouth or neck
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Pain in the ear (without hearing issues)

If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay—schedule a dental or medical exam right away.

Who’s at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but some factors increase your risk:

🚬 Tobacco Use

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and even vaping increase your risk significantly.

🍷 Alcohol Use

Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco, raises the risk.

💉 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV—particularly HPV-16—is now a leading cause of oral and throat cancers.

👤 Age & Gender

Men over 50 have traditionally had the highest risk, but HPV-related cancers are increasing in younger adults too.

🌞 Sun Exposure

Extended exposure to UV rays increases your risk of lip cancer.

How to Reduce Your Risk

Here are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself:

✅ Quit tobacco
✅ Limit alcohol use
✅ Use lip balm with SPF
✅ Eat a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet
✅ Get vaccinated against HPV
✅ See your dentist regularly for screenings

At Riverside Dental Center, our oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and potentially lifesaving.

How We Screen for Oral Cancer

Your oral health is about more than a bright smile. During every comprehensive exam, we:

• Examine the soft tissues in your mouth
• Check for unusual lumps, patches, or discoloration
• Palpate your neck and jaw for abnormalities
• Ask about changes in swallowing, voice, or discomfort

Early-stage oral cancer is often invisible to the untrained eye—but not to ours.

Why April Matters—and What You Can Do

April is a time for action. Here's how you can make a difference:

• Schedule your oral cancer screening
• Share this blog with friends and family
• Learn the signs and symptoms
• Talk to your kids or loved ones about the HPV vaccine
• Spread the word on social media using #OralCancerAwareness

Together, we can catch it early. Together, we can save lives.

Book Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

Oral cancer is a silent threat—but with regular checkups and screenings, it doesn’t have to be deadly.

👉 Call Riverside Dental Center today at (951) 353-8454
👉 Or book your appointment online here

🦷 Riverside Dental Center

Smiles that last. Care that matters.

Let’s protect more than just your teeth. This April, join us in raising awareness—and let’s catch oral cancer before it catches you.