April is oral cancer awareness month, so it’s important to know what to look for.
Oral cancer happens when cells in your mouth develop mutations and it can be a dangerous illness to have. It’s important to keep up with your dental care so you can prevent problems like these.
Before understanding how you can prevent oral cancer from damaging your mouth, let’s start with what it can look like.
Mouth cancer can occur all around your mouth including but not limited to: lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth.
But what sets it apart from common oral issues?
Here are some signs that you need to visit your doctor:
- white patches
- red sores (that don’t heal)
- loose teeth
- growth in the lining of your mouth
- jaw pain
- difficulty swallowing/chewing
- tongue pain
If you think you are experiencing these symptoms make sure to come by Wineburg Dentistry so that we can help you out!
Don’t forget that it’s important to try and stop these problems before they even begin! Here are some ways that you can prevent oral cancer:
- avoiding tobacco use
- drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all
- eating healthily (fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants/vitamins)
- avoiding exposure to sun
- visiting your dentist regularly
You can always ask your dentist for more information about oral cancer.