Early signs of Oral Cancer

While some people may not have any early symptoms of oral cancer, others may experience the following:

• The sensation of tingling in the mouth, face, or neck area
• Feeling like something stuck in your throat
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue
• A persistent sore throat
• A hoarse voice that won’t go away
• A mouth ulcer that lasts longer than 2 weeks
• Excessive blood loss in a particular area of your mouth
• khick or crusty area developing in an area of your mouth
• A change in your bite (the way your teeth are positioned when they come together)

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

One of the best ways to protect yourself is by having routine dental examinations. You can’t always detect dental problems on your own. If you wait until you are in pain to visit the dentist, any oral health problems you have may already be in an advanced state. 

Because with early detection, oral cancer has a very high success rate of treatment, oral cancer screenings are essential.

With a combination of expertise, experience, and the latest in dental technology, we can examine your mouth for any signs of cancer. We will perform a thorough checkup, examining your entire mouth and surrounding areas. We may use additional diagnostic tools to locate areas with potentially abnormal cells and may perform a small biopsy to determine the source of the problem. 

We will also talk to you about your risk of developing oral cancer based on your lifestyle habits and individual/family health history. If you fall into a high-risk category, we may recommend more frequent screenings. 

How to Protect Yourself

Practice Good Oral Hygiene. An unclean mouth provides the ideal growing spot for bacteria and disease, which can ultimately lead to oral cancer and other harmful diseases. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.

Give Up Tobacco. Tobacco use causes 80-90% of all cases of oral cancer. Both chewing tobacco and smoking are highly carcinogenic and should be avoided at all costs. While tobacco use can increase your risk of cancer by up to 25x, abstaining from tobacco use for several years can decrease your risk by up to 50%.

Exercise Regularly and Eat a Healthy Diet. A diet filled with fruits and vegetables, with limited alcohol and processed foods, is beneficial not just for your oral health, but your overall health, too. Exercising regularly not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but also boosts your immune system.

Protect Your Lips From the Sun. Regular exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, including our lips. Protect your lips with SPF.

Get Vaccinated For HPV. HPV is not only the leading cause of cervical cancer but also a significant contributor to oral cancer, affecting both sexes equally. You can reduce your risk by only having safe sexual relations and by getting the HPV vaccine.

While oral cancer should not be taken lightly, if detected early, it is manageable. Keeping your mouth healthy takes commitment to your oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle, as well as routine dental cleanings and exams. 

We are committed to patient care and satisfaction and will be happy to perform an oral cancer screening. 

Call our office today (702)473-5100 or fill out a form online to schedule an appointment.