Dentist in Centreville, VA | Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can be deadly, but catching it early on is key to increasing your chances of beating it. While your dentist will be looking for some superficial early signs of oral cancer when performing check ups or other routine procedures, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for anything unusual yourself when performing your daily dental routine. To give you an idea of what exactly you should be looking for, keep reading to discover some of the telltale signs and symptoms of oral cancer and if you are looking for a dentist in Centreville, VA, reach out to us today!
- Frequent mouth sores
- Difficulty swallowing
- White or red patches
- Irritated gums
- Tooth/mouth pain
- Tight jaw or tongue
- Mouth numbness
- Jaw swelling
- Persistent sore throat
- Loosened teeth
- An altered voice
- Lumps in the neck
- Unrelenting bad breath
- Sudden weight loss
- Ear pain
It’s important to consider that smokers are more prone to being diagnosed with mouth cancers. If you are a smoker, you should watch carefully and closely for the development of these signs and symptoms during daily brushings. (Kicking the bad habit all together will be extremely helpful when it comes to preventing and treating oral cancer as well!)
Whether you are a smoker or not, any of the above signs and symptoms could indicate the growth of oral cancer. Those who have a family history of cancer or those who are exposed to sun for long periods of time should also be incredibly mindful. If you happen to be experiencing a combination of any of the listed symptoms, it’s recommended you inform your dentist right away. He or she will then be able to determine whether or not you could be affected by oral cancer. If cancer is present, surgeries and other treatments may be required. If not, you dentist may provide other methods to treat and alleviate your symptoms.
If you have dental concerns, we invite you to contact our dental office in Centreville, VA today! We look forward to serving your dental needs.