Protect Your Health, Not Just Your Smile — April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
At Lotus Dental Wellness, we believe your mouth is more than just a smile—it's a gateway to your overall health. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to spotlight the importance of routine dental cleanings and comprehensive exams as part of your preventive care.
While oral cancer often goes undetected in its early stages, a visit to your biological and holistic dentist could be lifesaving. Here’s what you need to know—and why now is the perfect time to schedule your cleaning and exam in Lake Oswego or Portland, Oregon.
The Silent Risk: Why Oral Cancer Is So Dangerous
Oral cancer affects over 54,000 Americans each year, and it can develop on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, or even the throat. The problem? It’s often painless and invisible in its early stages—until it’s too late.
At Lotus Dental Wellness, we use every exam as an opportunity to screen for abnormal tissues that could indicate early signs of oral cancer or precancerous changes. Our team is trained in both high-tech and holistic approaches to catch concerns early—when treatment is most effective.
Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Ignore
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk:
Tobacco and alcohol use
Exposure to HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Poor oral hygiene and chronic inflammation
Heavy metal toxicity from dental materials
Family history of cancer
At Lotus, we take a biological approach to dentistry, which means we focus on whole-body wellness, helping you reduce systemic inflammation and avoid harmful substances like mercury, fluoride, and metals that can compromise your immune system.
Prevention Starts with Routine Care
One of the most powerful ways to prevent oral cancer is to stay consistent with your routine dental visits. Our GBT Airflow cleanings aren’t just refreshing—they’re gentle, non-invasive, and more thorough than traditional cleanings, using biocompatible powders and technology to reduce bacterial load and inflammation.
During your exam, we’ll:
Perform a comprehensive oral cancer screening
Check for lesions, lumps, and irregular tissues
Evaluate the health of your gums and immune response
Use metal-free digital imaging for deeper insight
Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to book a dental visit—don’t wait:
A sore or lesion that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
Persistent red or white patches
Numbness or tingling in the mouth or lips
Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
Changes in your bite or the way dentures fit
Many patients dismiss these signs until they become painful—but early detection saves lives.
Holistic Dentistry That Supports Your Whole-Body Health
At Lotus Dental Wellness, our commitment to fluoride-free, mercury-free, and metal-free dentistry means we’re looking out for more than your teeth. We use biocompatible materials and integrate therapies like ozone, PRF, and guided Yomi robotic surgery to help your body heal more efficiently and reduce toxic load.
Our team of expert biological dentists, Dr. Shepard DeLong and Dr. Jeeyoung Han, believe in personalized care that connects the dots between oral health, immune function, and chronic disease prevention.
Serving Lake Oswego & Portland: Your Holistic Dentist Near You
We proudly serve patients across Lake Oswego, Portland, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Linn who are looking for a dental team that aligns with their values of natural living, integrative medicine, and proactive prevention. Whether it’s a first exam or your next cleaning, our goal is always the same: to support your smile and your whole health.
Don’t Wait for Symptoms—Come in for Peace of Mind
Oral cancer doesn’t wait. This April, prioritize your health with a routine cleaning and exam at Lotus Dental Wellness. We’ll keep your smile bright and your body protected—with the safest, most supportive care in Lake Oswego.
Schedule your next visit with GBT Airflow therapy and a thorough oral cancer screening.
Call us today (503) 684-4174 or fill out the contact form.