Protecting Smiles in Brandon, Jackson, and Surrounding Mississippi Counties
At The Germany Dental in Brandon, MS, we believe that healthy smiles start with awareness—and April is the perfect time to focus on one of the most important (but often overlooked) health topics: oral cancer.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and our goal is to educate our patients throughout Jackson and surrounding areas—Madison County, Rankin County, and Hinds County—about the importance of early detection and preventive dental care.
Why Oral Cancer Awareness Matters
Oral cancer is more common than most people think. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 54,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Unfortunately, many cases are discovered at advanced stages, when treatment becomes more difficult and survival rates drop.
That’s why early detection is key—and your dental checkups play a vital role.
At The Germany Dental, we serve patients not only from Brandon and Jackson, but also from Pearl, Clinton, Ridgeland, Florence, and Byram. During every routine visit, our team performs an oral cancer screening—at no additional cost—because we believe in catching issues before they become serious problems.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect various parts of the mouth and throat, including the:
- Lips
- Gums
- Tongue
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Inside of the cheeks
- Throat (pharynx)
Symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, which is why routine screenings are so important. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lumps or rough areas in the mouth or throat
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness in the mouth or lips
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Hoarseness or a sore throat that doesn’t go away
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms—especially if they’ve lasted more than two weeks—it’s important to get checked as soon as possible.
Who Is at Risk?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but some factors increase your risk:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
- Excessive sun exposure (especially to the lips)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Family history of cancer
- Age (most common in those over 40)
Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed as women, and the risk increases with age. However, HPV-related oral cancers are becoming more common in younger adults—even those who don’t smoke or drink.
That’s why we encourage everyone, regardless of age or lifestyle, to have routine screenings.
How The Germany Dental Helps Detect Oral Cancer Early
Our office in Brandon is equipped with the tools and training to catch early signs of oral cancer. During your exam, Dr. Germany and our experienced team will:
- Examine your lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks
- Feel for lumps or abnormalities in your neck and jaw
- Look for discoloration or unusual patches in the mouth
- Discuss any symptoms you’ve noticed at home
These screenings take just a few minutes—but they could save your life.
And because we serve patients across the Jackson area, we make it easy to get the care you need. Whether you’re in Madison, Clinton, Pearl, or anywhere in Rankin or Hinds County, our office is just a short drive away.
Prevention Tips for a Healthier Smile
In addition to regular screenings, here are some simple ways you can reduce your risk of oral cancer:
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Use SPF lip balm to protect against sun damage
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental visits
- Get vaccinated against HPV if recommended by your doctor
Make April the Month You Take Action
As your trusted dentist in the Jackson, MS area, The Germany Dental is proud to support our community’s health—not just in April, but all year long. If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup, we invite you to schedule an appointment today. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from oral cancer and keep your smile strong.
Serving Smiles Across Central Mississippi
We proudly care for patients from:
- Jackson
- Brandon
- Pearl
- Madison
- Ridgeland
- Clinton
- Florence
- Byram
- And surrounding areas in Rankin, Hinds, and Madison Counties
Your health is our priority, and your smile is worth protecting.
📅 Call us today at (601) 825-4746 or request your visit online.
Let’s work together this April—and beyond—to raise awareness, catch problems early, and support lifelong health.