Dental Health Archives | A Beautiful Smile, The Office of Dr. Gina Mancini

Oral cancer is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can be easily treated if caught early. The key to treating oral cancer is early detection, which requires knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer. Here are common signs to watch for.

Sores that Won’t Heal

If you have a sore in your mouth that won’t heal, it can be a sign of oral cancer. There can be other causes of this problem as well, such as an abscess or gum disease, but these also need to be addressed by a dental professional. These sores can be anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, gums, lips, and other soft tissue.

Growths on the Gums

A growth on the gums can also be a sign of oral cancer. Again, not all tumors or growths are cancerous, but you need to get it looked at if you notice one in order to protect yourself and get the proper oral cancer screening to ensure that is not cancer.

Unexplained Swelling

Swelling in the jaw or neck that’s not due to a known injury, and that does not resolve itself quickly, is another indicator that could mean oral cancer. Swelling of the salivary glands can also be a concern.

Unexplained Pain

Pain in your mouth should resolve quickly, but if it doesn’t, then it could indicate you have a problem brewing. Pain can indicate oral cancer, cavities, and infections. No matter the underlying cause, getting the area inspected by a dentist to ensure it’s not cancerous is important.

If you have any of these symptoms that last for more than two weeks without improvement, it’s time to see the dentist. Oral cancer screenings can help you find and treat cancer before it spreads. If you have any concerns, reach out to A Beautiful Smile, The Office of Dr. Gina Mancini to schedule a screening appointment.

No one wants to hear the word “cancer,” but at A Beautiful Smile, we want to inform and educate our patients so they can take charge of their health. Oral cancer, when caught early, has several successful treatment options available. The key is getting a screening at the first sign of a problem. Here are five signs that you should make an appointment with our team for an oral cancer screening.

1. Cold Sores That Don’t Heal

When is a cold sore more than just a cold sore? The answer to that question depends on if the cold sore is going away or lingering for weeks and even months. This condition, though common, can also be a sign of oral cancer. Schedule a screening if you have a cold sore that just isn’t getting better.

2. Lumps or Thickening

Lumps or thickening of the skin on the lips or cheeks can also indicate oral cancer. This isn’t a normal sign of aging. Similarly, unexplained swelling of the mouth or jaw can be a sign. If you notice this, get a screening right away.

3. Difficulty Swallowing

While difficulty swallowing can stem from a number of potential causes, it can indicate cancer near the back of the mouth or in the throat. Regardless of the cause, you should get this looked at to improve your quality of life.

4. Loose Teeth

Adult teeth should not become loose. While bone loss due to aging can cause this, so can oral cancer. Both require a visit to the dentist in Jacksonville, NC.

5. White Patches

Finally, areas of white patches in the mouth are signs of an underlying health issue, and one potential issue could be cancer. Again, this requires a screening appointment to figure out the cause.

If you’re noticing any of these signs and symptoms, contact Dr. Gina Mancini at A Beautiful Smile to schedule a screening appointment.

Top Signs of Oral Cancer