1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202 
Most people think of dental visits in terms of cleanings, fillings, and the occasional toothache. But your routine checkup includes something far more important than polished teeth—it could actually save your life. April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time when dental professionals across Roswell and the greater Atlanta area encourage patients to prioritize screenings for a disease that claims one American life every hour.
At Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC on Hembree Road in Roswell, comprehensive oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every dental exam. Dr. Mitzi Morris, a 1993 graduate of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry with over 25 years of experience serving North Atlanta families, understands that early detection remains the most powerful weapon against this often-overlooked disease.
The Numbers Behind Oral Cancer
Approximately 58,500 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis this year—that’s 132 new cases every single day. While those statistics sound alarming, here’s what makes them even more concerning: the disease often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, when treatment becomes more complex and survival rates drop dramatically.
The good news? Early-stage oral cancers have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. When detected before spreading to lymph nodes or other areas, patients typically experience better treatment outcomes, fewer complications, and significantly improved quality of life. This stark difference between early and late detection underscores why regular screenings through your Roswell dental team prove so valuable.
Who’s at Risk? The Answer May Surprise You
Traditionally, oral cancer has been associated with tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption—and these remain significant risk factors. However, the landscape of oral cancer has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. Today, the fastest-growing segment of oral cancer patients includes young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals.
The culprit? Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers have risen steadily while tobacco and alcohol-related cases have actually declined during the same period. This means oral cancer no longer discriminates based on lifestyle choices alone. Anyone can be affected, which makes routine screening essential for every patient who walks through the doors of a Roswell dental practice.
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco Use: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco products all increase risk significantly
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: especially when combined with tobacco use
- HPV Infection: particularly HPV-16, now linked to a growing percentage of throat and mouth cancers
- Sun Exposure: prolonged exposure increases risk of lip cancer
- Age: most cases occur in people over 40, though HPV-related cases increasingly affect younger adults
- Previous Oral Cancer Diagnosis: increases the likelihood of developing a second cancer
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is painless, quick, and often performed as part of your regular dental examination. During the screening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, including the tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, lips, gums, and the back of the throat. They’ll look for any abnormalities such as red or white patches, unusual lumps, or sores that haven’t healed.
Dr. Morris and her experienced team at the Roswell practice understand that staying current with the latest diagnostic practices makes all the difference. As one patient noted in a review, Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. This commitment to continuing education means patients receive thorough, up-to-date screenings every time they visit.
The screening also includes a physical examination of your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes to check for any unusual swelling or tenderness that might indicate a problem. If anything suspicious is found, your dentist can recommend further evaluation or refer you to a specialist for additional testing.
Warning Signs to Watch For Between Visits
While professional screenings remain your best defense, knowing what to look for between dental visits can help you catch potential problems early. Contact your Roswell dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms lasting more than two weeks:
- Persistent Mouth Sores: any sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks deserves attention
- White or Red Patches: unusual colored patches on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining
- Unexplained Bleeding: bleeding in the mouth without an obvious cause
- Difficulty Swallowing: persistent trouble swallowing or the sensation of something stuck in your throat
- Chronic Hoarseness: voice changes that don’t improve over time
- Lumps or Thickening: any unusual lumps in your mouth, throat, or neck
- Ear Pain: persistent ear pain on one side, especially without hearing loss
Prevention Strategies That Make a Difference
While you can’t control every risk factor, several lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your oral cancer risk. Avoiding tobacco products remains the single most effective preventive measure—people who use tobacco are six times more likely to develop oral cancers than non-users. If you currently use tobacco, talking to your healthcare provider about cessation resources can put you on the path to better oral and overall health.
Limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure with SPF lip balm, and maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables all contribute to reduced risk. Perhaps most importantly, keeping up with regular dental visits ensures that any changes in your oral health get caught early, when they’re most treatable.
The HPV vaccine has also emerged as an important preventive tool. While originally developed to prevent cervical cancer, the vaccine protects against the HPV strains most commonly associated with oral and throat cancers. The American Dental Association recommends HPV vaccination as a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers, including head and neck cancers.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
Dental professionals recommend oral cancer screenings at least once every three years for adults over age 20 and annually for those over 40. However, if you have any risk factors—whether tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, or a family history of cancer—more frequent screenings may be appropriate. During your next visit to Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC, your dental team can help determine the right screening schedule for your individual needs.
For residents of Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, and the surrounding North Atlanta communities, making oral cancer screening a priority this April could be one of the most important health decisions you make all year.
Schedule Your Screening at Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC in Roswell
This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, take a proactive step toward protecting your health. Dr. Mitzi Morris and her compassionate team provide thorough oral cancer screenings in a comfortable, spa-like environment where patients feel welcomed and cared for. With over 25 years of experience and a commitment to staying current with the latest best practices in dentistry, the practice offers comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care to families throughout North Atlanta.
Whether you’re due for your regular checkup or want to schedule a dedicated screening, contact Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC at 678-459-2990 or visit the practice at 1297 Hembree Road, Suite 202, in Roswell. Your smile—and your life—are worth protecting.