April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What to Know
Every hour, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, someone dies of oral or oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat). Yet, if oral cancer is detected and treated early, treatment-related health problems are reduced and survival rates may increase.
Each April, the Oral Cancer Foundation and dental organizations use Oral Cancer Awareness Month to encourage people to learn the early signs of mouth and throat cancer and to have an oral cancer exam. Most mouth sores and patches are harmless, but any change that lasts more than two weeks should be examined by a dentist or physician. Finding these cancers early generally makes treatment simpler.
How common is oral cancer?
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 60,480 people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer of the mouth or oropharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth, including the tonsils and base of the tongue) in 2026, and about 13,150 will die of these cancers. [1]
Who is at higher risk?
Tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes
Heavy alcohol use, especially combined with tobacco
HPV infection, which causes many cancers of the oropharynx
Age, with most cases in people over 40
Sun exposure, for cancer of the lip [2]
HPV-related throat cancer often occurs in people who have never smoked. Most HPV infections clear on their own, and only a small share of people go on to develop cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against the virus types most often linked to these cancers. Ask your physician whether it is right for you or your children.
What does an oral cancer exam involve?
An oral cancer exam is quick and painless. The dentist or hygienist looks at and feels your lips, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and throat, and feels the neck and under the jaw for lumps. [2] If something looks unusual, the next step may be a recheck in two weeks or a biopsy, depending on what is found. Only a biopsy can confirm or rule out cancer. Read about how oral cancer screening works at our office.
Which changes should you have checked?
See a dentist or physician if any of these last more than two weeks:
A sore or ulcer that doesn't heal
A red or white patch
A lump or thickening in the mouth or on the neck
Ongoing sore throat, hoarseness or trouble swallowing
Numbness of the tongue or lip
Our post on the warning signs of mouth cancer explains each one and how to check your own mouth.
Where can you get an oral cancer exam in Jacksonville?
If you are due for an exam or have noticed a change, contact our office or call 904-398-1549. If cancer is diagnosed, we coordinate dental care with your medical team before and during treatment. Learn more about dental care around head and neck cancer.
Sources
American Cancer Society. Key statistics for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. Last revised March 23, 2026. Estimates based on Cancer Facts & Figures 2026.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Oral cancer. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
Oral Cancer Foundation. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. His role is dental care and coordination with your medical team. He does not provide cancer treatment. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.
What Is Bruxism, and Does a Night Guard Help?
Bruxism means grinding or clenching your teeth. It can happen while you are awake or asleep, and many cases are mild enough that they need no treatment. When grinding is wearing or breaking teeth, a professionally fitted night guard can protect them, but it usually doesn't stop the habit itself. A dental examination shows how much damage there is and whether something else is causing your symptoms.
How can I tell if I grind my teeth?
Possible signs include worn or chipped teeth, tired jaw muscles, morning jaw soreness and sensitivity. A sleeping partner may hear grinding. These signs do not prove bruxism, because decay, a cracked tooth and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Start with a dental examination rather than diagnosing the problem yourself. Our guide on how to tell if you grind your teeth at night covers night-time signs in more detail.
Does a night guard stop teeth grinding?
A professionally fitted guard helps protect teeth and dental work from grinding forces. It usually doesn't stop grinding. The right approach depends on your symptoms, your existing fillings and crowns, and whether clenching happens during the day or at night. Our bruxism care page explains how we evaluate tooth grinding and discuss protection.
What can I do about daytime clenching?
Notice when your teeth are touching during concentration or stress, and discuss that pattern with your dentist. Keeping a short record of when symptoms occur can make your visit more useful. If symptoms began after a medication change, tell your prescriber and your dentist. Don't stop a prescribed medication on your own.
When should I have grinding symptoms checked?
Arrange an evaluation for repeated jaw soreness, new sensitivity, chipped teeth or damage to a filling or crown. If a tooth hurts when you chew, our guide to common causes of tooth pain explains why an examination matters. Discuss snoring or breathing concerns during sleep with your medical clinician as well.
Where can I get help with teeth grinding in Jacksonville?
Dr. CJ Henley's office is at 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207, near San Marco. Bring any current guard and describe when you notice symptoms. We can assess your teeth and restorations and discuss next steps. Contact our office to arrange an evaluation.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Bruxism. Last reviewed March 2025, retrieved 2026-10-06.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.