Your oral health care consists of more than just cleaning your mouth on a daily basis. It is important to also be aware of severe oral health conditions that can arise from time to time. One of the most dangerous diseases that can arise is oral cancer. Over 42,000 Americans every year are diagnosed with oral cancer, so it is important to always look for symptoms of its presence.
Oral cancer is a very serious condition that needs to be treated as soon as it is found. Thus, it is important to spend every day examining your mouth when you wake up to determine if you notice any signs of irregularities or abnormalities. This includes additional inflammation, and the presence of lumps or bumps, rough spots or crusts beginning to form on your lips and gums. Furthermore, if you notice any discolored patches that may appear white, red, or speckled, it may be a sign of oral cancer. Excessive bleeding in your mouth, as well as persistent sores that do not heal within 2 weeks, are often symptoms as well. If you continually suffer from cracks or throat sores that change your voice, or if you are experiencing difficulties chewing or speaking, have ear pain or experience dramatic weight loss, visit your dentist for an oral cancer screening to detect if the disease is present.
If you are in need of an oral cancer screening, speak with NW Hills Dental and Orthodontics at 512-345-2655. If you are in need of a dentist in Austin, Texas, you can schedule an oral examination with Dr. Ronald Cass and our team at our dentist office.