To ensure you continue to have optimum oral health, be aware of all risks to your smile, including those that you may not often think of. Beyond cavities and gum disease, it is also important to make sure that you’re aware of any potential risk factors associated with oral and throat cancer. Oftentimes, catching the presence of oral cancer is essential for optimal recovery, so always look for indications that it may be present.
Various visual clues including unexplained bleeding in your mouth, the development of patches or crusts to the areas within your lips, teeth or areas inside your mouth, are all common indications of oral and throat cancer. Furthermore, anytime that you notice any lumps or bumps, it could be linked to an issue commonly associated with oral cancer that will require immediate attention.
Other common symptoms associated oral and throat cancer include unexplained numbness, loss of feeling in your mouth, persistent sores on your face that do not heal after two weeks, chronic throat soreness or sore throat, difficulties chewing or speaking, ear pain, dramatic weight loss or a rotation in the way your teeth and dentures fit together.
Now is the best time to visit the dental office of Joseph R. Conard, DDS and Kathryn L. Conard, DDS, MS for an oral cancer screening. Dr. Joseph Conard and our team at our office in Waynesville, North Carolina, is here to ensure you receive the care your teeth and gums need to keep your smile in peak condition. We can be reached by calling 828-452-1187.