Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
January 3, 2022 8:09 pmWhen you think of cancer, your mind might not jump straight to your mouth, but oral cancer is a serious issue, and one that we screen for at each visit. However, with 6 months between your routine cleaning and exam, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms during the rest of the year. In this blog post, we’ll let you know what the signs and symptoms are of oral cancer.
Where Does Oral Cancer Occur?
Oral cancer is one dental health issue that doesn’t actually impact your teeth directly. Oral cancer can target the lips, gums, tongue, lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, or the floor of the mouth.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is serious, just with any type of cancer. And when detected and treated early, most patients face a good outcome. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for and talk to your dentist or doctor if you notice any changes in your oral health or appearance. Some of the key signs to watch for include sores in and around the mouth that don’t heal; white or red patches inside the mouth; loose teeth; a lump inside your mouth; mouth pain; ear pain; and difficulty swallowing.
Preventing Oral Cancer
You can do your part to prevent oral cancer by making some healthy, proactive choices. Things you can do include quitting smoking; drinking alcohol only in moderation, or not at all; practice sun safety; and visit your dentist regularly.
Great Care for your Teeth at Southwest Dental Care
Here at Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City, MO, we want our patients to maintain beautiful, healthy smiles, for a long, long lifetime! To book your next appointment with us, contact us today!
Categorised in: Gum Health, Oral Cancer Screening, Oral Health
