April Shines a Light on Oral Health
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a crucial reminder that your mouth deserves as much attention as any other part of your body. While many people focus on dental hygiene for cavities or gum disease, oral cancer often goes undetected until it’s advanced.
At Link Primary Care, we encourage preventive screenings—not just for blood pressure and cholesterol, but for oral cancer, too. Early detection can save lives.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers of the:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Floor of the mouth
- Hard and soft palate
- Throat
It often starts as a small, painless sore or discoloration, making it easy to overlook without a screening.
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but the risk is higher for individuals who:
- Use tobacco (smoking or chewing)
- Drink alcohol
- Have HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Spend time in the sun without lip sun protection
- Are over age 40
St. Louis has seen increasing rates of oral cancer, especially among younger adults due to the rise in HPV-linked cases.
Signs to Watch For:
Symptoms to look out for include:
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches
- Difficulty or pain with swallowing or speaking
- A lump in the cheek or neck
- Persistent sore throat
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, don’t ignore them.
How Link Primary Care Can Help
We play a key role in identifying abnormalities during physical exams. Dr. Bereda performs head and neck assessments and listens closely to your concerns.
As a Direct Primary Care clinic, we offer:
- Same-day appointments
- Affordable monthly memberships ($99/month for adults)
- Unlimited visits with no hidden fees
- Referrals to local oral health specialists when needed
Our medical assistants, Annette Copeland and Casey Yehling, help ensure every patient receives a complete, thorough checkup.
Patient Story: A Life-Saving Discovery
A 52-year-old man came in for a wellness check with minor complaints about swallowing. A lesion at the back of his throat turned out to be early-stage oropharyngeal cancer.
“If I hadn’t had that visit, I never would’ve caught it in time. Link Primary Care saved my life.”
Prevention Tips
Protect yourself year-round by:
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Using SPF lip balm
- Practicing good oral hygiene
- Getting regular health and dental checkups
Early Detection Is Key!
Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize checkups—even if you feel fine.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Davis using the following link:
https://calendly.com/jeffreydavis-linkprimarycare/link-primary-care-meeting
Get more information on our website at linkprimarycare.com
