Almost 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or throat cancer this year. We'd like to remind everyone that regular dental visits 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.
In between dental visits, it is important for patients to be aware of the following signs and symptoms, and to see their dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks.
• a sore or irritation that doesn't go away
• red or white patches
• pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
• a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Your mouth is one of your body's most important early warning systems. Should you discover something suspicious, make an appointment for a prompt examination. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery.
No comments:
Post a Comment