Knowing the signs, helps with early detection
Oral cancer is cancer of the oral cavity used to describe several different cancers that start in the region of the mouth. The most commonly occurring oral cancers include lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and mouth lining.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The mouth is the gateway to our overall health and wellness. This is why Maven dentists believe in assessing for early signs of oral cancer as apart of their regular Dental Check-up appointments.
Be mindful of the following possible symptoms:
- Mouth Ulcers that don’t heal
- Difficult or painful swallowing or chewing
- Pain in your mouth
- Bleeding or numbness in the mouth
Causes of Oral Cancer
The main risk factors for most cases of mouth cancers are tobacco and alcohol consumption. Other contributing factors can include:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Family history of oral cancers
- Poor oral hygiene
- Exposure to the sun
What's Next?
Learn more about some possible treatment options with your local Maven Dental practice. We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist to further discuss and provide expert advice on restoring and maintaining great oral health.
FAQs
Maintaining good health and oral care can factor into reducing the risk of developing oral cancer. Along with other health and lifestyle decisions. We advise taking care of your oral health with a combination of at-home dental care and building a good relationship with your dentist or dental hygienist.
We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For a healthy smile and overall good oral health:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
- Book routine hygiene & check-up visits with a dentist or dental hygienist ideally every 6 months or as advised by your dentist
If oral cancer symptoms are identified, book an appointment with your local Maven Dental practice to discuss further causes and treatment to prevent further complications.
We understand that some people feel anxious about visiting the dentist. At Maven Dental, we work hard to make you feel comfortable and to create environments that feel safe and welcoming. We also believe that communication is key and invite you to share any concerns you may have prior or upon arrival.
While everyone is different, we’ve created a list of tips that can help to reduce anxiety related to dentist visits – read more