There are a few things you never want to hear when you visit a health care professional, and “Cancer” is one of them. If caught early, this life-changing diagnosis can be treated and your chances of beating it heightened. This is just as true of oral cancer, which is why regular screenings with your dentist are so important.

There are several potential signs of oral cancer, mostly dependent upon the type and location of the abnormality. Any sores, swellings, lesions, thickenings, or changes in texture indicate potentially cancerous areas, and should be monitored closely. Localized numbness, pain, or tenderness can also be a red flag. If you experience a lingering sore throat or a feeling of something caught in your throat, this is an issue to raise with your doctor, as is trouble with speaking, eating, or moving your jaw and tongue. Finally, ear pain without hearing loss can be a symptom of oral cancer, as the ears, nose, and throat are all interconnected.

While it's important to watch for these signs yourself, your dentist is more likely to be first to spot signs of the disease during your regular teeth cleaning. A cancer screening is built into the process, as your dentist examines your tongue, cheeks, jaw, and neck for any early symptoms. 

A trip to the dentist is about more than clean teeth—it's about your health, and may even save your life. If you're overdue for a checkup, call your dentist today.

Stanley R McCardle DMD | Family Dentistry offers quality dental care to patients throughout the Headland, AL, area. Their services include a broad range of preventive and restorative treatment options. If you have any questions about oral cancer, their friendly staff is happy to answer them. For an appointment, call their office today at (334) 693-2112, or go online to learn more about their services.