April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making this the perfect time to act now on your health. Oral cancer often starts without pain or clear symptoms, which means it can grow unnoticed until it becomes harder to treat. Regular dental checkups that include screenings are your best defense.

It’s Not Always Who You Think

You don’t need to be a smoker to be at risk. While tobacco and alcohol do increase the chances, so do things like excessive sun exposure, HPV, and a family history of cancer. Because oral cancer doesn’t target just one group, everyone should be mindful of regular screenings.

Spot the Subtle Clues

Early symptoms can be easy to ignore. These might include a sore that sticks around, a change in your bite, difficulty moving your jaw, or a rough patch inside your mouth. If anything unusual lingers for more than two weeks, schedule a dental visit to get it checked.

Fast, Simple, and Potentially Lifesaving

An oral cancer screening is a routine part of many dental visits. Your dentist will examine your mouth, tongue, and throat for anything that looks or feels out of place. The process is quick, noninvasive, and could detect a serious issue early enough to make treatment more effective.

Prevention Is in Your Hands

Smart habits can lower your risk—skip tobacco, drink less alcohol, use SPF on your lips, and maintain good oral hygiene. Most importantly, don’t skip your dental appointments. Screenings save lives.

Make Your Move—Act Now

Oral cancer can be silent at first, but early detection changes everything. Act now by scheduling your screening at Sabal Dental. It’s one small step that could make a big difference. Call 361-273-3271 or schedule online to visit us in Ingleside, TX.