Signs and symptoms you need to look out for

One of the most vital tasks that your dentist performs is to check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. This is an essential, if slightly nerve-wracking task and it’s one that shouldn’t just be left to your dentist. By being aware of danger signs and staying alert, you’ll be able to catch signs of trouble early. And this is essential if you want the best outcome possible when you have oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is basically a sore or growth in the mouth that doesn’t go away. These sores or growths can appear on the tongue, cheeks, lips, the floor of the mouth, sinuses, in the throat, and on the soft and hard palate. If left untreated, these cancer cells will grow and invade surrounding tissue.

Some of the signs of oral cancer are:
Swelling, lumps, rough spots or eroded areas anywhere inside the mouth.
Bleeding in the mouth that has no apparent cause.
Velvety white, red, or speckled patches inside the mouth.
Numbness or tenderness in the face, mouth or neck.
A hoarse voice.
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
Sores in the mouth or on the face or neck that bleed easily and don’t heal.
The feeling that something’s caught in the back of your throat or persistent soreness there.
Dramatic and inexplicable weight loss.
Ear pain.
A sudden change in the alignment of your teeth or dentures.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Some people who get oral cancer don’t have any of the associated risk factors. That’s why it’s so important that you have regular check-ups even if you don’t fall into any of the following categories. Your dentist will be able to identify problems early and direct you to the right kind of treatment. However, there are certain factors that will increase your risk of oral cancer. These include:

Your gender, because men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer.
Smoking.
Drinking.
Your family history of cancer.
Sun exposure, particularly early on in life.
Your use of smokeless tobacco products such as snuff, dip, or chewing tobacco.
Certain strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase your risk of oral cancer.

What To Do

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There are several things you can do to lower your risk of oral cancer. Avoid smoking and drinking where possible, stay out of the sun, and eat a healthy, nutritious diet to keep your body in good condition. Early detection is also key to a good outcome, so make sure that you take an active role in your own oral health by taking the following steps:

Do self-examinations

At least once a month, get a torch and check every nook and cranny of your mouth. Feel along the gums for any lumps or bumps and take note of colour changes, sores, or any other issues. If you notice anything, monitor the issue. If it doesn’t heal or go away, see your dentist immediately.