Dentists Urge Virginians to Refrain from Tobacco, Vape and Other Nicotine Product Use

Apr 10, 2026

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to raising awareness for oral cancer and the importance of preventative care. This month, the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) is urging the public to refrain from using tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine pouch products, and to schedule routine oral exams with a dentist.  

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be more than 13,000 deaths from oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer and nearly 60,000 new cases of oral cancer in 2026.

While cigarette smoking has decreased over the past decades, there has been an emergence in other nicotine products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

This is particularly concerning for younger populations. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, vapes are still the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. Here in Virginia, 8% of Virginia high schoolers reported using an electronic vapor product in 2023.

This month, Virginia dentists are encouraging the public to be aware of the health risks of nicotine usage for themselves and their loved ones.

While vapes generally contain fewer cancer-causing chemicals, they still expose users to potential carcinogens and can cause damage to cells in the mouth.

“While many people see vaping and other tobacco-free products as a safer alternative to cigarettes, nicotine in any form can still harm brain development, raise blood pressure and heart rate, and lead to addiction,” said VDA President, Dr. Marlon Goad, DDS. “This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging individuals to examine lifestyle habits that may increase their risk of developing oral cancers, and to schedule an appointment with their dentist, especially if it’s been over a year since their last exam.”

Dentists are often the first health professionals to notice signs of oral cancer, which can appear inside the mouth and throat or on the tonsils and tongue. During a dental visit, dentists will review the patient's medical history and examine the oral cavity, throat, jaw and neck for any abnormalities.  

Individuals should consult a dentist if they experience any of the following symptoms persisting for more than two weeks:  

A sore or irritation that doesn't heal  
Red or white patches  
Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips  
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area  
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the tongue or jaw  
A change in the way teeth fit together when closing the mouth

For more information, visit the American Dental Association’s Mouth Healthy campaign.   

Find a local dentist at https://findadentist.ada.org/. 