All You Need To Know About Mouth Cancer

If you're looking to answer the question, "HOW DOES A DENTIST FIND MOUTH CANCER?" - you might currently be worried about unfamiliar pimples, canker-like sores, lesions, swelling or other disturbing signs that you may have something developing in your mouth. First of all, if you don't smoke, you can pretty much relax. Often, mouth sores and swellings may be caused by cuts from heavy flossing or sharp candies, food allergies, abrasions from brushing your teeth, viral infections, tooth abscesses or other dental problems.

Generally speaking, oral cancer is caused by tobacco. This can develop in any part of the mouth including your lips, tongue, cheeks and even your throat. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other inhaled products, which put you at an increased risk. Even smokeless products like snuff, are harmful for your mouth. Those who use a bit between the cheek and gum are asking for problems.

So how does a dentist find mouth cancer?

Here are some of the signs that may be an indication:

• If a sore or ulceration in your mouth doesn't heal within 3 weeks.

• Any new lump or growth of tissue.

• A white or a red patch either on the gums, tongue or the lining of your mouth

• Having a difficult time in swallowing

• When chewing, there is difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue

• Any numbness of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth

• Having a feeling that you have something caught in the throat

• Having a chronic sore throat or hoarseness for more than 6 weeks, particularly if you are a smoker over 50 and if you are a heavy drinker

• If your jaw swells enough that it causes dentures to fit badly or uncomfortably

• Neck swelling that lasts more than 3 weeks

• Any tooth mobility (looseness) that lasts for more than three weeks - see a dentist urgently

• Any nasal mass, ulceration or obstruction, accompanied by purulent or bloody discharge

Mouth cancer can affect anyone young or old but mostly it is the smoker and drinker who falls victim to this disease. It is thought that these people are at risk by up to 30 times more than those who do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Often, it is the dentist who discovers this during routine dental checkups. All the more reason to plan regular checkups, since mouth cancer, when diagnosed early, can be treated successfully. If detected early, the survival rate can be 80% or higher. Remember that the way to greatly diminish your risk of being affected by mouth cancer is to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up smoking, cut down on alcohol and eat a healthy diet.

Doing some regular self-examination is also very important, too. Recognizing the signs in good time, can make the difference in whether mouth cancer can be overcome or not. However, that being said, there is nothing that can replace a visit to your doctor or dentist for a dependable diagnosis.

Noah Salzman is a researcher and writer offering information in the field of medicine and dentistry. For more information, please visit HOW DOES A DENTIST FIND MOUTH CANCER

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