April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month - did you know your dentist screens for oral cancer at your routine visits?
Types of Oral Cancer
Oral cancers are classified in two groups:
Cancers of the oral cavity affect your lips, teeth, gums, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth and the inside of your cheeks.
Cancers of the oropharynx are found in the throat, tonsils, the base of your tongue and the spot where it attaches to the floor of your mouth.
Dentists watch for signs of oral cancer, because finding it early can be the key to successful treatment.
Warning Signs
Be aware of these warning signs for oral cancer:
A sore or irritation that doesn't go away
Red or white patches on your gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
Pain, tenderness or numbness in your mouth or lips
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small rough 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
Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit well anymore
The feeling something is caught in your throat
Being hoarse, or noticing a change in your voice
Tobacco and excessive amounts of alcohol also increase the risk for oral cancer.