If you are at risk for oral cancer, find out what signs and symptoms to look for.
While most people think about ways to protect themselves against decay and gum disease, not a lot of people think about the possibility of developing oral cancer. While there are certainly risk factors that could increase your chances of oral cancer, the truth is, is that it can happen to anyone. Our Nashua, NH, dentists, Dr. Salvatore Guerriero and Dr. Salvatore Colletta, are here to provide you with a little insight into the common symptoms that you may experience if you have oral cancer.
Some of the common signs of oral cancer include:
- Mouth ulcers or sores that still persist after a couple of weeks
- A lump or growth found in the soft tissue of your mouth that doesn’t go away
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck that remain swollen for over two weeks
- Hoarseness or other vocal changes
- Pain or problems chewing, speaking or moving your jaw
- A loose tooth that isn’t the result of infection, trauma or decay
- Numbness anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue
Keep in mind that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms that there are other conditions that could be causing these problems that aren’t life threatening. Of course, our Nashua general dentist likes to play it safe, so it’s always a good idea to come in for an evaluation if any of the symptoms above apply to you.
It is important to recognize that most people won’t have symptoms during the early stages of oral cancer. While this can be disconcerting, one of the best things you can do to ensure that if there is a problem that we catch it is to come in for your regular dental checkups without fail.
Coming in for these routine visits is particularly important if you are a smoker or a heavy drinker, as these habits can greatly increase your chances of oral cancer. For those without risk factors, coming in at least once a year for a check-up is a good idea for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Don’t let problems fester. If you start to notice any changes that are concerning to you, feel free to call our Nashua, NH, family dentist anytime to get the care you need whenever you need it. Dental problems can happen at anytime; Nashua Smile Makers is here to help.
