When To Get Checked For Oral Cancer

You may think that you are not a smoker and therefore you do not need to get checked for oral cancer, or you may believe that because you have never chewed tobacco or consumed other nicotine products that it cannot happen to you. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and it is critically important that you get an oral health screening on a regular basis.  Oral cancer can happen to anyone. Oral health screenings are vital to the health of your mouth and when oral cancer is caught early, you are more likely to survive.

When you have your scheduled six-month hygiene appointment, it is important that the dentist take a look around your mouth for any unusual looking sores and other signs of oral cancer. They will check your mouth, lips, gums and tongue in order to make sure that there is nothing unusual that could be a sign of cancer.

Dr. Judy Strutz and her team can also help with your care if you do have to have treatment for oral cancer. For more information about oral health screenings, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

10 Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be a dangerous cancer that can spread quickly if not taken care of. By getting an oral cancer screening you can avoid this type of cancer from getting out of control and the sooner you get treatment, the more likely you are to survive. Here are 10 signs and symptoms to watch out for:

1.     Loose teeth for no reason

2.     Swelling inside the gum or the lining of the tongue

3.     Sores in the mouth that take a long time to heal or do not heal

4.     Hoarseness without clearing up

5.     A lump or mass on the neck

6.     Swelling of the jaw, not explained by other dental problems

7.     A lump in the cheek

8.     A red patch on the gums, tongue or cheek

9.     The loosening of the teeth around a spot that is sore

10.  Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Don’t waste time with wondering if you have oral cancer, get peace of mind with help from Dr. Strutz and her team.