Why It Is Important to Detect Early Oral Cancer Signs

Oral cancer is one of the leading killer diseases globally. It has destroyed families and lives at a catastrophic level, and the dental health fraternity is always trying to discover ways to stay ahead of this fight and save lives.

Oral cancer manifests itself within and around the oral cavity. It can appear on the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth or lips.

One of the key ways to combat oral cancer is by early detection. Undergoing regular oral cancer screening allows for early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer, thus giving you a fighting chance against the disease.

You might be wondering where you can get screened regularly for oral cancer; the answer is simple. You just need to schedule a dental checkup with our dentist near you.

Our dentist in Palm Harbor, FL, Dr. Jay Wickersham, conducts oral cancer screening during regular dental checkups and examinations. This means that you will get a chance to rule out oral cancer during every routine checkup or even catch on to it early enough before it gets out of hand.

It is important to ensure you get screened regularly for any signs of oral cancer. This is because regular screening will give our dentist a chance to notice any early signs of oral cancer.

But why is early detection essential. Let’s look at why you should visit our dentist’s office near you for oral cancer screening.

Why Is Early Detection Key?

Early oral cancer detection is essential in fighting oral cancer. Ensuring that you and your loved ones get regular dental checkups will help keep you one step ahead of this killer disease by giving you a chance to fight it before it gets the upper hand.

This is because these routine dental checkups involve a thorough physical examination of your oral cavity, lips, face, and neck region, where oral cancer signs can be spotted.

Oral cancer screening can help identify early oral cancer signs and drastically increase your treatment options and chances of recovery.

Apart from ensuring that you never skip out on your regular dental checkups, you should also be able to identify some of the early oral cancer signs. Doing so will also significantly increase your chances of catching the disease in its early stages.

Knowing the early signs of oral cancer will help you identify anything that is amiss and rush in to see our emergency dentist near you or wait to inform our dentist on your next appointment.

Our dentist will examine and analyze anything you notice that is amiss and give you directions on how you can embark on oral cancer treatment in Palm Harbor, FL, if the situation calls for it.

Noticeable Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer will exhibit various symptoms depending on where it develops initially. Here are some of the most common and noticeable symptoms of oral cancer you should keep an eye out for;

• Recurring red or white lesions that form in your mouth or lips
• Persistent sore throat
• Sores, swellings, lumps, or patches that recurrently from within or around your throat and oral cavity
• Loose teeth that cannot be attributed to any dental issue or trauma
• Difficulties swallowing
• Unexplainable and persistent tenderness, pain, or a numb sensation around your mouth, face, or neck
• A rigid jaw or tongue
• Throat hoarseness
• Having difficulties chewing or speaking properly
• Unexplained bleeding within your oral cavity from cuts that do not heal
• Persistent, bleeding sores that form on your face, mouth, or neck region that do not clear out within two weeks
• Eroded lips and gums
• Any recurring swellings or protrusions that are affecting how your dentures fit in
• Nasal hemorrhage
• earaches

It is vital to notify your doctor or dentist promptly if you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if they do not seem to clear out within two weeks or if they keep recurring.

Our emergency dentist near you is available to handle any concerns and even conduct a thorough examination on any symptoms you may have noticed linked to oral cancer.

Reporting these symptoms immediately you notice them can mean a world of difference and even save your life or the life of your loved one.

Contact us today at Palm Harbor Smiles to schedule your dental checkup and oral cancer screening.