Have you smoked cigarettes during your adult life? Or, have your loved ones smoked cigarettes? If so, you may be concerned about the possibility of you, or your loved ones, developing oral cancer. Later in this article, Dr. Faist in Beachwood, OH will provide some common signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

It is important to note that, even if you have not been a cigarette smoker, you still should be aware of the common signs of oral cancer. This is due to the fact that 25% of oral cancer diagnoses occur in people who never smoked, and only consumed alcohol on an occasional basis.

Per the American Dental Association (ADA), there are nearly 42,000 diagnoses of oral or throat cancer every year. One of the best defenses against oral cancer is to maintain your regular dental checkups so that cancer spots can be identified early on.

Below, Dr. Faist outlines several things to look for in order to identify oral cancer.

• Areas that are rough around your lips and gums, as well as lumps and bumps in the area of your mouth.
• Spots in your mouth that appear white, red, or are spotted white and red.
• Bleeding that cannot be attributed to other causes.
• Loss of feeling, or a numbing sensation, in your face, mouth, or neck.
• The feeling of something being stuck in the back of your throat.
• Trouble biting, chewing, and swallowing food.
• Hoarseness or a change in voice.
• Unexplained and excessive weight loss.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in order to receive an oral cancer screening. Need a dentist? We are always welcoming new patients and we invite you to contact us today.

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