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.
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.
Oral cancer refers to cancers that occur in the mouth and throat area. This includes the:
It can present as a sore, lump, patch, or irritation that doesn’t heal.
Oral cancer may not always cause pain or visible symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s so dangerous. Look out for:
If you notice any of these signs, don’t delay—schedule a dental or medical exam right away.
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but some factors increase your risk:
Smoking, chewing tobacco, and even vaping increase your risk significantly.
Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco, raises the risk.
HPV—particularly HPV-16—is now a leading cause of oral and throat cancers.
Men over 50 have traditionally had the highest risk, but HPV-related cancers are increasing in younger adults too.
Extended exposure to UV rays increases your risk of lip cancer.
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.
Your oral health is about more than a bright smile. During every comprehensive exam, we:
Early-stage oral cancer is often invisible to the untrained eye—but not to ours.
April is a time for action. Here's how you can make a difference:
Together, we can catch it early. Together, we can save lives.
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
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.
