While most of us don’t want to consider the possibility of cancer, watching for early signs can help reduce its effects and help you avoid long-term health damage. Oral cancer has a unique set of symptoms that can affect not only your teeth and gums, but also your neck, voice, and jaw. This is why frequent dental cleanings and check-ups are important to a long life and better health. While dental cleanings can not guarantee you avoid cancer, removing bacteria and handling cavities swiftly can help. This blog will share some of the common signs of oral cancer to help patients catch it early or avoid oral cancer altogether.
Red Or White Patches
One of the first signs of oral cancer or other gum diseases is discoloration across your mouth. Red or white round patches can indicate irritation, bacterial growth, or cancer growths. Oral cancer can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or lining of the cheeks. These may look like sores or lumps, but if they are a sign of cancer, they will not heal. Topical treatments will not reduce these patches and will need strong medications to kill the cancer cells.
Difficulty Chewing Or Talking
Another common sign of oral cancer is difficulty using your mouth for different tasks. As sores and cancer growths become more aggressive, it may be painful to eat certain foods, talk for long periods of time, swallow, or move your jaw. Not only can the pain of these growths make it hard to use your mouth, but it can also cause swelling and inflammation that makes it physically impossible to move. These signs are typically a sign that the cancer has progressed to further stages.
Neck Lumps
Swelling in the lymph nodes is also a common sign of oral cancer. Lumps under the jaw or around the neck can indicate swelling either from a tumor or irritated cells. Swelling around the neck area is common with many sicknesses, so if this is the only symptom you have, don’t jump straight to a self-diagnosis of cancer. If you are experiencing multiple symptoms or extreme pain, contact your dentist or primary doctor to get more in-depth answers.
Persistent Pain
When you have persistent mouth pain that won’t go away or isn’t helped by medications or heat, this could mean the oral cancer has progressed. Cancer is separated into stages, and stages 2 and 3 of oral cancer can lead to more swollen glands and persistent pain. Leaving oral pain or sores unchecked can lead to further issues like difficulty eating, ill-fitting dentures, or slurred speech.
Loss Of Sensation In The Mouth
Cancer cells can also cause damage to your other muscles and cells, leading to numbness. A loss of sensation in the mouth, tongue, or lips should be a cause for concern, especially because it can make it hard to speak, eat, or swallow. This is a major sign that you should see your dentist or primary doctor to check for cancerous growths.
Those Who Are At Higher Risk For Oral Cancer
Those with certain daily habits or a family history of oral cancer are more at risk for oral cancer. Taking care of your teeth and visiting your dentist frequently can help you avoid cancer or disease, but daily habits are major contributors to cancer growth. Not all patients who get oral cancer will have these risk factors or family history.
Habits that put you at a higher risk of oral cancer include:
- Consistent smoking
- Use of tobacco products
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Spending time in the sun without SPF on the lips
- You have HPV
Achieve Better Dental Health With Avenues Dental
Working with a quality dentist and getting regular dental cleanings can help you avoid cavities, tooth loss, gum disease, and oral cancer. Our team at Avenues Dental is committed to providing the best patient care and a friendly atmosphere. Avenues Dental is committed to professional excellence, whether you need cosmetic services, fillings, or a typical cleaning. You can achieve better dental health when you visit a dentist at least once a year. If you are ready to enhance your smile and feel better about the quality of your teeth, schedule an appointment with our dental team today!
