Oral Cancer Screenings
During your dental visit, our doctors will talk to you about your health history and examine areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck. Between visits, it’s important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and to see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks.
The Symptoms Of Mouth Or Throat Cancer Can Include:
a sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
red or white patches
pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Regular visits to the dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.
