The National Cancer Institute estimates that about 40,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with mouth or throat cancer in 2012.
Your mouth is part of the oral cavity, which also includes your lips, cheek lining, gums,
During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.
SYMPTOMS OF MOUTH OR THROAT CANCER CAN INCLUDE:
Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
A thick or hard spot or lump
A roughened or crusted area
Numbness, pain or tenderness
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
Make sure to tell your dentist about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw.
At Woodyard Dental Care in Paducah, KY, Dr. Jonathan Woodyard will include a thorough oral cancer screening during your comprehensive exam.