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How to Spot the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Screening in Chalfont

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if it is caught early. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the warning signs of oral cancer and to see your dentist regularly for check-ups. Check out our latest blog post from Highpoint Dental Medicine to learn about the warning signs of oral cancer and how you can prevent it.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

While the symptoms of oral cancer will vary from person to person, there are a few common denominators to look out for. If you notice any of the following symptoms lasting for more than two weeks, it’s important to see your dentist right away:

  • A sore or irritation in the mouth that doesn’t go away
  • A lump or mass in the mouth
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • White or red patches in the mouth
  • A sore throat that doesn’t go away
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness

If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We will perform a thorough examination and let you know if we see anything cause for concern.

Remember, the earlier oral cancer is caught, the better we can treat it.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of developing oral cancer. Some of the most common include:

Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco are some of the biggest risk factors for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco products, it’s important to quit as soon as possible to minimize your risk of being diagnosed.

Heavy alcohol use: Drinking alcohol in moderation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, drinking alcohol to excess can put you at a higher risk for developing oral cancer.

UV light exposure: Exposure to UV light, such as from sunbathing without sunscreen, can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

Age: Oral cancer is more common in people over the age of 50.

Diet: Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it’s critical to be especially diligent in checking for oral cancer.

Get Oral Cancer Screenings

The best way to catch oral cancer early is to get regular oral cancer screenings. At Highpoint Dental, we recommend that all patients get an oral cancer screening every time you visit us for a dental check-up (which should happen once every six months). During an oral cancer screening, we will visually examine your mouth for any signs of cancerous or precancerous growths.

Contact Us for an Oral Cancer Screening in Chalfont

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental check-up, or if you are due for an oral cancer screening in Chalfont, we invite you to contact our team at Highpoint Dental Medicine. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment for you.

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