It’s crucial we know the warning signs of oral cancer. Knowing the symptoms can help early detection, which could save your life:
Mouth
Swelling or thickness along gum lines, lips and flesh on your cheeks
Abnormal lumps or bumps anywhere in the oral cavity
Any rough patches containing crust or eroded skin on your lips, flesh and cheeks
Presence of velvety white, red, or a mix of white and red patches on the skin in your mouth
Random bleeding
Random bouts of numbness, tenderness or pain in the neck, mouth or cheeks
Persistent canker sores
Difficulty chewing, speaking or moving your jaw
Chronic sore throat
Ear pain
Dramatic weight loss
Ways to prevent oral cancer include:
Do not smoke or use tobacco products
Avoid binge drinking
Eat a balanced diet
Exercise
Limit sun exposure
To help detect oral cancer early on, dentists suggest individual’s conduct an oral exam on themselves once a month. With a bright light and oral mirror, poke and feel for any of the previously mentioned symptoms. Also feel for swollen lymph nodes, and attend your annual dentist appointments.