Oral Cancer Awareness Resources

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the US. People who are diagnosed with HPV-related head and neck cancer tend to be younger and nonsmokers. Lesions can develop in difficult-to-detect areas such as the back of tongue and tonsils.

Any type of tobacco use; smokeless tobacco (“chew”), hookah, pipe and cigarette smoking puts you at a higher risk for oral cancer.

Heavy drinking, an average of 2 drinks a day or more for men and one drink a day for women, increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Men are twice more likely to get oral cancer. Heavy drinking and tobacco use contribute to risk.

Most people diagnosed with cancer are 55 and older, however, HPV related oral cancers are most often diagnosed in younger people.

1. Do you have excessive phlegm build-up causing you to constantly clear throat?
2. Do you have persistent coughing?
3. Have you noticed your voice changing, or do you have bouts of hoarseness?
4. Do you have a persistent sore throat or a feeling something is caught in your throat?
5. Do you have difficulty swallowing or chewing?
6. Do you have difficulty moving your tongue or jaw?
7. Do you have numbness of your tongue or any other areas of your mouth?
8. Are your (neck) lymph glands sore or tender?
9. Have you noticed a lump in your neck?

Dentists play a critical role in the detection of oral cancers and the education of their patients on the importance of HPV vaccination. Gary Heyamoto, D.D.S., president of the Academy of General Dentistry Foundation, will discuss the importance of performing a consistent and thorough clinical oral exam, as well as how to discuss HPV vaccination with patients, describe anterior mouth and posterior mouth from a medical perspective, and participate as an office in fighting HPV oral cancers through awareness and promotion of the HPV vaccine.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of dentists as vaccinators — including of the HPV vaccine. Rosie Wagner, D.D.S., founder of Smiles By Rosie Family Dentistry, and Isaac Zeckel, D.D.S., chief dental director of HealthLinc, will discuss the benefits of dentists as immunizers, steps to becoming a dentist immunizer, medicolegal considerations, and ways to increase access to care by providing a new vaccination setting, with innovative vaccination approaches that use on-site interdisciplinary teams.

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