3 Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer affects people of all ages and walks of life. It’s never too early or late to learn more about this deadly disease. By doing so and becoming more aware, you could possibly save your life! One of the best ways to combat oral cancer is to catch it early but sometimes, the symptoms don’t visibly show until advanced stages have been reached. This is why we conduct oral cancer screening at Purity Dental.

Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for when it comes to oral cancer:

Sores that don’t heal

Do you have a sore that never seems to fully heal and disappear? Keep in mind that these could also occur in areas outside your mouth such as your lips and cheeks. Give yourself 10 to 14 days for a sore to heal. Any longer and you should have the area examined by a professional, and possibly a biopsy carried out.

Tissue coloration & lumps

If you notice the appearance of velvety white, red or atypical patterns that are visibly different to the rest of your inner mouth, this is a common warning sign of oral cancer.  You may even notice changes in texture to your mouth’s tissues, including swellings, lumps or rough patches along your lips, gums and cheeks.

Pain & discomfort

You’ll find it difficult to chew things, swallow, speak or use your jaw and tongue as normal. You may even experience unexplained bleeding, numbness and tenderness. Feelings of pain could even extend to your ears!

It’s important to get to know your own oral health and watch out for any irregularities for early detection and intervention. We strongly recommend seeing our dentist for yearly oral cancer screening- it might just save a life! Behind on your next checkup? Call (03) 9540 8900 to schedule your appointment.