Publication date: November 1, 2025
Every November, people in communities all over the United States get together for Mouth Cancer Action Month. This campaign aims to raise awareness of oral cancer and prevent it through education and early screening. The team at Absolute Smile is proud to help with this vital project by teaching patients about the risk factors, warning signs, and steps to avoid getting sick.
Key Symptoms Dentists Look For During Examinations
During regular checkups, dentists are trained to look for early warning signs. Patients should also keep an eye on their oral health between visits, though. Keep an eye out for these main signs:
- Mouth sores that don’t heal after three weeks.
- Lumps or masses in the mouth, jaw, or cervical lymph nodes that can’t be explained.
- Hardening or induration of tissue in the mouth.
- Odynophagia, or constant pain when swallowing.
- Paresthesia or numbness in the mouth that can’t be explained.
- Less movement of the tongue or trouble moving it normally.
- Tooth movement without gum disease or injury.
Clinical Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Using tobacco in any way is still the most significant risk factor for oral cancer. It includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and tobacco products that are not smoked. Each form damages the oral epithelium and increases the risk of malignant transformation.
Alcohol consumption creates a synergistic effect when combined with tobacco use. The alcohol acts as a solvent, which lets cancer-causing substances get deeper into the tissues in the mouth.
Other clinical risk factors include chronic actinic damage to the vermillion border of the lips, oncogenic HPV strains (especially types 16 and 18), a lack of specific nutrients, and chronic mechanical irritation from poorly fitting dentures or sharp tooth cusps. Age is still a factor that can’t be changed, and incidence rates rise sharply after age 45.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
At every dental visit, Absolute Smile professionals systematically check for cancer both inside and outside the mouth. Patients don’t need to ask for this; it’s just how things are done.
The exam starts by feeling the cervical lymph nodes and salivary glands. After that, dentists carefully examine all visible oral mucosa, even areas hard for patients to see, such as the oropharynx and the back of the tongue. They look at the color, texture, and consistency of the tissue.
Supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month
The foundation of the campaign is more than just raising awareness. It’s time to do something. Groups supporting it hold many fundraising events and community screenings in November. Dentists strongly encourage people to take part in these events.
People can get free oral cancer screenings, take part in fundraising walks, or volunteer to help spread the word. Many dental offices host activities throughout the month to raise awareness. Every contribution supports vital research into better detection methods and treatment protocols.
Your Dental Team Is Here for Support
At Absolute Smile, screening for oral cancer is an integral part of comprehensive dental care, not just an add-on. Patients should not put off their regular checkups. It only takes a few minutes to perform a soft-tissue exam during a check-up, but it could save lives.
Dentists can find oral cancers at different stages. Patients who do the best are always the ones who keep up with their dental visits or get checked out right away when they notice changes. The best protection comes from patients being careful and professionals screening them.
Contact us today for an oral cancer screening. Finding things early can save lives.
