Dr. Ushma Patel – Center for Advanced Dentistry. Call 770-623-8750

According to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), over half of those in the U.S. survive from oral cancer after five years. If this condition is caught early enough, the chances of successful treatment are high.

Dentists look for early signs of mouth cancer during regular checkup appointments, but it’s also important for you to recognize these warning signals so you can bring them to the attention of your dentist right away.

Signs and Symptoms

Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx and sinuses. And because early detection is crucial in overcoming this disease, you’ll want to visit your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks:

• Sores, swellings, lumps or thick patches anywhere in or around your mouth or throat
• Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
• The feeling of a lump or object stuck in your throat
• Swellings that make wearing dentures uncomfortable
• Numbness, pain or tenderness anywhere in your mouth, including your tongue
• Pain in one of your ears but without any loss of hearing
• Trouble moving your jaw or tongue, or problems with chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Loose teeth with no apparent dental cause
• Lingering sore throat or hoarseness