Adult
How to Identify Oral Cancer
Regular dental exams can go a long way towards maintaining good oral health. Another reason to schedule semi-annual trips to the dentist is the early detection of oral cancer, which can affect any part of the oral cavity. Oral cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and damage tissue inside the oral cavity including the lips, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, and throat.
Thousands of adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer but do not receive an official diagnosis until long after the disease has advanced. This is because people seldom bother with a dental checkup unless they have developed a cavity, suffered dental trauma of some kind, or are in pain. We recommend seeing a dentist at least once a year and checking your own mouth for signs of decay, cavities, or infection.
Early Signs of Oral Cancer
In addition to keeping your oral health in check and preventing disease, regular dental exams and cancer screenings can save your life and take minutes to complete. During these screenings, a dentist will examine the inside and outside of the mouth using a specialized tool kit and their fingers. Common early signs of oral cancer include but are not limited to:
- Thickening of the cheeks
- Lumps inside the mouth & on the lips, neck, or throat
- Sores in the oral cavity that do not heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or tonsils
- Pain or bleeding in the mouth
- Pain in the ear, jaw, or both
- Numbness of the mouth or tongue
- Loosening of teeth
- Halitosis
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic sore throat
- Changes in speech
- Unintended weight loss
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening
If you are experiencing any of the discussed side effects or symptoms, call or submit a form request to schedule an exam at our Tamarac dentist or Plantation dentist office right away. Smile Every Day is passionate about helping patients maximize oral health through high-quality dental care, affordable payment plans, and the best customer service.
August 27, 2021