When Was The Last Time You Were Screened For Oral Cancer?
We are passionate about doing all we can to help our patients have long-lasting oral health. One way we do this is through routine oral hygiene examination appointments. During these visits, we thoroughly clean your teeth and look for problems in your mouth, such as dental decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. We often speak about dental decay and gum disease, so today, we want to explain more about oral cancer. Now is the perfect time, since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Read on to learn more about oral cancer and learn the warning signs.
What is Oral Cancer?
Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to call attention to this disease and its warning signs and raise your awareness about the importance of early detection. Oral cancer is a type of head, neck, or throat cancer that is detected in the oral cavity, on the lips, or in the throat. Although oral cancer is not the leading form of cancer in the US, it is still important to learn more about what can lead to a diagnosis. We are passionate about routine dental care because, if you experience a problem with your oral health, such as oral cancer, we can make a diagnosis in the early stages.
Warning Signs
It is important to regularly check your mouth for signs of changes to your oral health. We recommend that you do this visually and by feeling around inside your mouth with your fingers. Be sure to contact us if you notice any of the following:
- A hard spot or lump
- Numbness in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- Sores in your mouth or on your lip that won’t heal
If you experience any of the warning signs mentioned above or have any concerns about your oral health, we encourage you to contact our office in Wellington, FL, to schedule an appointment. We can perform an evaluation and recommend any necessary treatments.
