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Legacy Dental Arts is a full-service dental office serving the Eagle River, Alaska, community. In addition to providing day-to-day care, including teeth cleanings, cosmetic dentistry, and preventative care, the dentists at Legacy Dental Arts also screen their patients for oral cancer. 

Mouth cancer affects about 36,500 Americans annually, and like other forms of cancer, early detection is key. The dentists from Legacy Dental Arts are passionate about promoting regular screenings and general awareness, which is why they created this guide to common symptoms of the disease: 

  • DentistSore Throat: If you consistently feel like your throat is sore or itchy, this could be one of the early signs of mouth cancer. Many patients describe the sensation as having something stuck in their throat. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause.
  • Difficulty Chewing & Swallowing: People with early-stage mouth cancer often have difficulty chewing and swallowing. If you experience this, you should schedule a cancer screening with your dentist. It’s important to note that other conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neurological diseases, or muscle spasms could also cause this symptom.
  • Swelling & Movement Issues: People with early-stage mouth cancer also frequently experience tongue numbness, swelling of the jaw or tongue, or difficulty moving their mouths. These symptoms are serious indicators there could be a problem, and you should make a dentistry appointment right away. 

The dentists from Legacy Dental Arts want to stress that you shouldn’t panic if you experience any of these symptoms. However, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial to staying safe! To schedule an appointment at Legacy Dental Arts, call (907) 622-7874 today. To learn more about the Eagle River dentists and their oral health tips, visit their website.

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