April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to educate ourselves about one of India’s most preventable yet deadly cancers. At Dr. Gowds Dental Hospital, one of the leading dental hospitals in Hyderabad, we’re committed to fighting oral cancer through early detection and advanced care.
Why India Faces an Oral Cancer Epidemic
India accounts for nearly one-third of global oral cancer cases, primarily due to chewable tobacco like gutkha, khaini, and pan masala. Unlike smoking, these products stay in direct contact with oral tissues, releasing cancer-causing toxins.
The Silent Danger of Chewable Tobacco
- Prolonged use leads to chronic inflammation and DNA mutations.
- Higher risk of lesions in the cheeks, gums, tongue, and palate.
- Premalignant conditions often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Early Warning Signs You MUST Know
Oral cancer doesn’t appear overnight. Watch for these precancerous signs:
1. Leukoplakia (White Patches)
- Thickened, non-scrapable white patches inside the mouth.
- Common in long-term tobacco users.
2. Erythroplakia (Red Patches)
- Bright red, velvety lesions with high cancer risk.
3. Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)
- Caused by areca nut/gutkha use.
- Symptoms: Burning sensation, stiff mouth, difficulty opening jaws.
How to Fight Oral Cancer: Prevention & Early Detection
What the Government Should Do
- Ban flavored chewable tobacco targeting youth.
- Strict packaging warnings with graphic images.
- Free oral screenings in rural areas.
- School health programs to educate children early.
What Dentists at Dr. Gowds Dental Do
- Regular oral cancer screenings for high-risk patients.
- Advanced tools like VELscope for early detection.
- Community awareness camps across Hyderabad.
- Collaboration with oncologists for timely treatment.
Early Detection Saves Lives!
When caught early, oral cancer has an 80-90% survival rate. Delayed diagnosis leads to major surgeries, disfigurement, or worse.
Symptoms That Need Immediate Attention
- Persistent mouth sores (lasting 2+ weeks).
- Unexplained lumps/swelling in the mouth or neck.
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Take Action This April!
At Dr. Gowds Dental, we offer comprehensive oral cancer screenings as part of our advanced dental care services, including:
- Best Dental Implants in Hyderabad
- Root Canal Treatment in Hyderabad
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Hyderabad
- Cosmetic Dentistry Hyderabad
- Smile Designing in Hyderabad
Your Next Step?
✅ Quit tobacco today.
✅ Book a screening at Dr. Gowds Dental Hospital.
✅ Spread awareness—share this blog!
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early detection = Better survival.
📍 Visit Dr. Gowds Dental Hospital—Hyderabad’s trusted dental care provider for over 50 years!