
If found early, the chances of treating oral cancer successfully dramatically increases. That’s why we take time at every visit to give our patients an oral cancer examination. The exam allows us to detect early signs of cancer. It is painless and only takes a few minutes.
Oral cancer can occur on your lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and under the tongue. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will do a thorough check of your face, neck, lips and entire mouth for signs of cancer. Signs include:
- A growth or lump inside your mouth
- A lip or mouth sore that won’t heal
- A white or reddish patch inside the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Mouth pain or ear pain
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
If you notice any of these signs lasting two weeks or more, it is also important that you reach out to us. The sooner we are able to catch oral cancer, the better the outcome.