In honor of oral cancer awareness month, it’s a good idea to review some of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Because our mouths are directly involved in our overall health, it is imperative that we keep an eye on any strange developments and have them checked as soon as possible. So, what are we supposed to be looking for? Here are a few of the signature signs:
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Mouth sores that bleed on their own
- A patch in your mouth that is velvety white, red, or speckled
- A hard, raised lesion in your mouth that becomes crusty around the area
- Bleeding for no reason
- Persistent mouth pain
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or using your tongue
If you find any of these symptoms, it is important that you make an appointment to see your dental professional as soon as possible. During your visit, you will have a cancer screening done to make sure everything is in working order. If caught early, the chances are very good that you can have it taken care of. During this screening, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores and feels the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and may also have you rinse your mouth with a special blue dye before an exam. Abnormal cells in your mouth may take up the dye and appear blue. Then, during the exam, a special light makes healthy tissue appear dark and makes abnormal tissue appear white.
If you would like further information regarding oral cancer, contact Tory Hill Dental at 207-929-6626 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit toryhilldental.com for additional information.