Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Thinking you might have oral cancer? Since some of the warning signs associated with oral cancer can be confused with other not so serious dental problems, it is important for you to learn more about the warning signs of oral cancer. When you do, it will help you determine whether or not the oral signs you are currently experiencing are indeed cancer-related. The only way you can know for sure is by making a dental appointment for a thorough mouth examination.

About oral cancer

Learning more about oral cancer will not only help you understand whether or not you have oral cancer, but it will also help you understand how to prevent a cancer diagnosis in the future. Oral cancer can be located anywhere inside your mouth, e.g. lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, hard palate. It can even develop in the tonsils and the back of the throat, making it more difficult to see.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019.

Warning signs of oral cancer

The following is a list of some of the more common warning signs associated with oral cancer. When a dental patient experiences any of these warning signs for many weeks, they need to be examined by a professional as soon as possible. The sooner oral cancer is treated, the higher one’s chances of experiencing a successful removal.

Ongoing mouth pain

When someone experiences pain in their mouth that does not go away or experiences a sore throat that does not seem to heal, they need to be checked for oral cancer.

White or red patches are present

White or red patches that are present on the gums, tongue, tonsils or located anywhere in the lining of their mouth, is a sign that oral cancer may be present.

Experiencing difficulty chewing and/or swallowing food

Experiencing difficulty when chewing food or swallowing food is a warning sign. This includes experiencing problems with moving the tongue or experiencing problems because the tongue is numb in certain areas.

Loose teeth, ongoing bad breath

While many people associate having loose teeth and bad breath with gum disease, they are also a warning sign that oral cancer may be present. This is why it is so essential for everyone to make regular dental appointments, as a dental professional will know whether or not these signs are associated with gum disease or oral cancer.

Need to make an appointment?

If you think you have oral cancer, the only way you can be sure is by making an appointment with a dental professional. You will undergo a full and thorough examination, which will let you know exactly what is going on. Once your examination has been completed, the results will be shared with you. If you do indeed have oral cancer, then a treatment plan will be made to address your cancer. Ready to find out more by making an appointment?

Request an appointment here: https://dentalstudiocolleyville.com or call Dental Studio Colleyville at (817) 885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.

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