April is oral cancer awareness month and we’re going to be shedding some light on oral cancer related topics all month. With that in mind, in this article we are going to discuss a few early signs and symptoms that may indicate oral cancer.
Chronic Pain
Oral cancer often causes associated pain in the mouth, as well as in adjacent areas of the body like the face and ears. The pain may be recurring and often increases when swallowing.
Mouth Sores, Lumps, Patches
Sores, lumps, or white/red patches inside the mouth may also be cause for concern, especially if they do not heal given time.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Enlarged Lymph Nodes in the neck can also be a potential sign of oral cancer. Your dentist will check for any Lymph Node abnormalities during your regular checkups, so it’s important that you make and keep regular dental appointments (once every 6 months).
Dental Health Clinic in Bloomington, MN
Many potential symptoms of oral cancer overlap with much less serious conditions like toothaches. That’s why it’s important to seek help from your dentist if any of these symptoms crop up and persist without getting better. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look at the symptoms and see if they warrant further investigation.
At Smiles for Life, our goal is to provide you with top-notch dental care from the moment you set up your appointment to the moment you walk out the door. Dr. Tim Brooks has been providing family and cosmetic dental care to patients throughout Minnesota for many years. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Brooks and the rest of the team at Smiles for Life. Our primary dental clinic is located in Bloomington, but we also serve the surrounding Minnesota areas.