Cancer can develop anywhere in the body, including the throat and mouth. Oral cancer, for instance, can strike anytime and at any age even in those people who do not use tobacco. It is important you know the signs of oral cancer and learn the ways to prevent it. When it comes to recognizing oral cancer, you may see or detect some signs, but to determine whether it is cancer or something, you need to visit our dental specialist. Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer presents in different ways. You may have signs such as a red or white patch in your mouth or a sore that will bleed easily and does not heal. The presence of a thick or hard spot or even a lump could signal oral cancer. If you notice roughened or crusted areas in your mouth, pain or tenderness, numbness, or change in how the teeth fit together when biting down, you need to see our dental professionals.
Other signs that could indicate oral cancer are problems in chewing, speaking, swallowing, or moving the jaw and tongue. If you have pain in the throat or are feeling something caught in the throat, these could point toward oral cancer. Something to mention here is that while these signs can signal that you have cancer, on the other hand, you need to get cancer screening to rule out the presence of a different health condition. Some of these signs and symptoms can appear in other diseases.
How a Periodontist Can Help
Our periodontist can help when it comes to fighting oral cancer. During your regular dental visits, you will get examinations to see if there are signs indicating cancer. The periodontist checks for suspicious spots and feels for lumps around and in your mouth, including the roof of the mouth, under your tongue, inside the cheeks, and other areas of the neck and head.
The most common symptom of oral cancer is the presence of a flat, painless, red or white spot, or a small sore. In most cases, a spot or sore within the mouth is harmless, however, it is crucial that you tell our periodontal specialists if you experience any signs that may indicate oral cancer. Visit our dental office for oral cancer screening today.
