Hi Everyone,
March Madness is here 
— and while brackets are being busted, let’s not overlook something important: oral cancer awareness.
Your hygienist does more than clean your teeth.
At every visit, we perform an oral cancer screening, including:
- Feeling the neck and jaw (extra-oral exam)
- Checking inside the cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth
- Carefully examining the tongue and back of the throat
These areas are especially important with the rise in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
Check yourself at home:
Watch for red or white patches, sores lasting longer than 2 weeks, lumps, thickened tissue, or irregular areas.
Warning signs can include:
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Numbness in the mouth
- A lump in the neck
- Unexplained pain or bleeding
Important facts:
- Oral cancer is more common in men over 60
- HPV is one of the fastest-growing causes of throat cancers
- Early detection greatly improves survival
And remember — cancer does not pick and choose its host.
All ages, genders, and nationalities can be affected.
If you ever visit a dental office and don’t feel an oral cancer screening was performed, please speak up. You deserve comprehensive care.
Bottom line:
This March, let’s stay ahead of the madness. Your hygienist is here not just for your smile — but for your overall health.
As always, thank you for trusting us with your care 
— Ali, RDH 
