Every April, we recognize Oral Cancer Awareness Month. And every year, we meet patients who still don’t realize how important regular dental exams are in catching the early signs of something so serious. At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we’ve made it a priority to talk openly with our community about oral cancer—not to scare anyone, but because we’ve seen what a difference early detection can make. We also understand why so many people avoid talking about it at all. Life gets busy, dental visits get pushed back, and when your mouth feels fine, it’s easy to assume everything is fine.
But oral cancer doesn’t always announce itself with pain. In fact, many early cases are completely painless and symptom-free. That’s why we’re using this month to encourage more people to schedule that check-up they’ve been putting off—and to explain why screenings should be a regular part of your dental care.
Why People Skip Oral Cancer Screenings—And Why That’s a Problem
We hear it all the time: “I don’t smoke,” “I don’t feel anything weird,” or “I’ll call next month when I have more time.” We get it. No one wants to imagine something might be wrong. But here’s the truth—we perform oral cancer screenings during every comprehensive exam, and in many cases, we’re the only medical professionals taking a close look inside your mouth, under your tongue, and around your throat on a regular basis.
Skipping dental visits doesn’t just impact your teeth. It removes one of your strongest lines of defense against a disease that often shows no early warning signs.
Misconceptions About Oral Cancer
One of the biggest myths we hear is that oral cancer only affects older adults who smoke or drink heavily. While tobacco and alcohol are major risk factors, they’re not the whole story.
We’ve seen cases in younger, otherwise healthy adults—especially those exposed to HPV (human papillomavirus), a growing cause of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer. And a family history of cancer, a weakened immune system, or poor nutrition can also play a role.
The point is that oral cancer doesn’t discriminate. And while it’s more common in people over 40, it’s not limited to any one age group or lifestyle.
What Makes a Dental Office Your Best Line of Defense Against Oral Cancer
When we say screening, we’re not just glancing at your tongue. Our exams are thorough, and we’ve trained to spot even subtle changes—discoloration, sores that won’t heal, tissue changes, or swelling in areas patients often don’t even look at themselves.
What makes this process so effective is that we see our patients regularly. If something looks different than it did six months ago, we’ll notice. And that matters, because catching oral cancer early leads to significantly better outcomes.
We’re also here to advocate for your health beyond your teeth. Whether that means recommending a biopsy, referring you to a specialist, or simply monitoring something from one visit to the next, our goal is always early action and personalized care.
Oral Cancer Screenings Take Minutes—But They Can Save Lives
An oral cancer screening doesn’t take long. It’s built right into your cleaning and exam. We examine the inside of your mouth, check under your tongue, inspect your gums, cheeks, lips, jaw, and throat, and ask about any changes you may have noticed.
Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about. But when there is, we’ve seen how early detection can give patients more options, more treatment success, and more time with the people they love.
Prevention Starts with Awareness and Routine Care
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer completely, but there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms
- Limit alcohol use
- Stay up to date on HPV vaccines
- Protect your lips from the sun
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Practice consistent oral hygiene at home
- Don’t skip your regular dental visits
Even the healthiest people need checkups. Oral cancer can sneak up silently, and no online symptom checker will ever replace a trained dental professional looking inside your mouth.
What Sets Us Apart at Blue Ocean Dentistry
We’re proud to serve the Glendora community—not just as your dental team, but as partners in your total oral health. We believe every patient deserves clear communication, a comfortable experience, and a proactive approach to care.
Our approach to oral cancer screening is just one example. We don’t just go through the motions—we take time to explain what we’re doing and why it matters. If we see something concerning, we talk you through the next steps with compassion and clarity. We treat your health like it’s our own family’s health, and that’s something we don’t take lightly.
Have You Been Putting Off Your Visit?
If you’re overdue for a cleaning or haven’t had a full dental exam in over six months, now is the perfect time to schedule. It’s not just about clean teeth or fresh breath—it’s about your health, your peace of mind, and your future.
We know it’s easy to delay. Maybe life got in the way, or maybe dental visits make you anxious. Whatever the reason, we’re here to make the experience as stress-free as possible. From the moment you walk through our doors, our team is here to listen, support, and care for you every step of the way.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Not just for people at “high risk,” this month is a reminder that every one of us—no matter our age or lifestyle—should stay on top of our oral health. Because when it comes to diseases like oral cancer, early detection is everything.
If you’re looking for a Glendora dentist who takes your health seriously, listens to your concerns, and provides thorough, compassionate care, we invite you to schedule your next visit with us.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, and materials. Everything we use makes a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.