Our Lenoir Dentist Shares 3 Key Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Although oral cancer is most likely to affect longtime smokers and tobacco users, that doesn’t mean that non-smokers are in the clear. Like all cancers, oral cancer can affect anyone, at any stage of life. This is why every routine dentist exam will typically include a brief oral cancer screening (the stage when your dentist feels around your throat and jaw). Since these exams are usually six months apart from each other, though, you can stay even safer, and catch oral cancer more quickly, by watching out for symptoms at home. Here are the top 3 abnormalities that can signify oral cancer or another serious oral health issue.

Unusual Lumps & Bumps

It’s normal for most people to develop a canker sore every so often, particularly after eating very sour, spicy, or hot foods. But if you develop a significant lump, sore, or red/white patch that doesn’t seem to fade or diminish over time, make sure to schedule a visit with our Lenoir family dentist to ensure it’s not a symptom of something life-threatening.

Loose Adult Teeth

Losing your baby teeth when you’re a child is quite normal, but losing your teeth as an adult should never happen. If you brush and floss regularly, and haven’t sustained any oral injuries lately, a loose tooth could be an indication of a serious issue.

Oral Numbness

If you’re experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain around your mouth, your tongue, lips, or throat that doesn’t seem to be caused by direct trauma (like biting your tongue while chewing), it may indicate nerve or blood vessel damage caused by cancer cells. (Oral numbness can also be caused by food allergens, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies, so there is no need to panic—but you should still have your mouth examined promptly).

Catch Issues Early with Our Lenoir Family Dentist

One of the good things about oral cancer is that it usually begins with easily identifiable symptoms. But many people either ignore the symptoms or do not seek the help of a medical professional until it has advanced to a more serious stage. You can lessen your chances of developing an oral tumor by recognizing the signs, and acting on them quickly.

You should also continue to make regular dental exams once every six months. Not only do dental exams allow our Lenoir dentist to scrape away plaque and tartar you cannot reach yourself, it also gives us an opportunity to perform an oral cancer screening to ensure everything is as it should be. To schedule an appointment with our office, please click here.