What are the Signs and Symptoms of

Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a kind of cancer that originates in and around the mouth, and can spread throughout the head and neck of those affected.

Family dentists inspect patients during regular visits to monitor the health of the mouth and gums.

This is a vital step in recognizing the origination of cancer in the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, and in the roots of teeth.

These symptoms, which can be indicative of oral cancer beginning to form, can also point to other oral infections or diseases.

If you are experiencing these problems, or symptoms which are similar in appearance or effect, contacting your family dentist is a priority.

Failure to do so may result in the need cosmetic dentistry to address damage done to the gumsand lips.

Routine check-ups and regular contact with your family dentist is the best means of preventative care you can take in the event of emerging symptoms of oral cancer.

Other means of prevention are healthy dietary habits that limit--or outright eliminate--the use of alcohol and tobacco products -

- as they have been linked to oral cancer, many other kinds of cancer and cancerous growths.

Next we will discuss many of themost common symptoms linked to oral cancerand how one can spot them in their early stages.

1. Discolored SplotchesAppearing in and Around the Mouth and Lips:

Splotches, sometimes appearing in wide patches around the mouth and/or lips, are one of the first signs of early oral cancer.

The discoloration usually comes in a red or white color, not unlike the reaction of inflammation to the early stages of an infection.

These red and white patches, when they relate to oral cancer, however, are signs of abnormality within the cells of the mouth, pointing to a malignancy taking form.

This is the best point in which to treat oral cancer, before it spreads to the rest of the head and further.

2. Blisters and PolypsForming Inside the Mouth

Oral blisters are a fairly common occurrence.

Eating certain types of food with strong spices, or drinking hot beverages, can cause blisters to form in the cheeks and gums in reaction to the heat.

These usually heal in a number of days when tended to.

A blister or a polyp that will not heal after weeks, however, is cause for concern, as it may be a reaction to malignant cells.

3. DifficultyEating and Swallowing

While any things may make it difficult to eat, chew, swallow, and irritate your gum and esophagus, it is also a common symptom that comes with oral cancer.

Inability to move your jaw freely, and irritation from various food types, may be a sign that it is not an allergic reaction or tension in the muscles around your mouth.

4. IrritationIn and Around the Ears

Earaches can come from living a normal life.

Many people commonly get them from swimming, or showering for extended periods of time.

But an aggressive earache, one that reddens the skin in and around the ear, and possibly the neck, has been related highly to oral cancer.

If you have experienced the symptoms listed above, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment.

Visitwww.mychandlerdentists.com

Shumway Dental Care3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286(480) 420-7551