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Early Signs of Oral Cancer

By Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA

August 28, 2017

Category: Oral Care

Tags: oral cancer

Do you know the signs of oral cancer? Our Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr., can discuss with you some early signs that may be easily overlooked.

Common oral cancer signs

These signs may indicate that you have oral cancer:

Sores That Don't Go Away: Sores in your mouth, whether they're caused by canker sores or small cuts, can be very painful and may take a week or two to heal completely. If your sore never fully heals, you may have oral cancer.
Pain: Persistent pain is often caused by tooth decay, but may be due to cancer, in some cases. Pain may occur anywhere in the teeth, mouth or jaw.
Lumps and Spots: Lumps, thick areas, or red or white patches in your mouth can be early signs of cancer.
Hoarseness: Hoarseness or other changes in your voice can occur in the early stages of oral cancer.
Loose Teeth: Teeth can loosen due to gum disease, a receding jawbone or cancer.
Trouble Eating: If you have difficulty swallowing or chewing, call our Shelby office as soon as possible. Cancer may also make tongue or jaw movements difficult or may cause numbness in your tongue and mouth.
Poorly Fitting Dentures: Changes in your mouth due to cancer can change the fit of your dentures.

Regular dental visits catch cancer in the early stages

Dentists don't just look for cavities during your check ups. Every visit also includes a cancer screening. If any potential signs of cancer are detected, you'll need a biopsy to rule out the disease.

Visiting the dentist every six months is an excellent way to safeguard your oral and general health. Call our Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Hendrick, at (704) 484-0077 to schedule an appointment.

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