{"id":364,"date":"2023-04-11T18:53:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T18:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/?p=364"},"modified":"2023-05-26T19:12:01","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T19:12:01","slug":"signs-of-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/2023\/04\/11\/signs-of-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When visiting the dentist\u2019s office, you probably assume that the only thing they\u2019ll be checking is if you have cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease. Although necessary and indeed part of the examination, there is another component you might not realize is just as important \u2013 oral cancer screening. Read on to learn about the signs of oral cancer<\/a> and what you can do should you discover an abnormality inside your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Common is Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When hearing the word \u201ccancer,\u201d you likely think of other, more common forms such as breast, prostate, ovarian, brain, or even stomach. But what about oral cancer? Although it may not be as widely discussed, it poses the same serious threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is estimated that 54,000+ individuals are diagnosed with it each year in the United States. While people who smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol are more prone to it, the disease can develop in those who exhibit no risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the hardest aspects of oral cancer is that many of the symptoms and signs can remain dormant, be misdiagnosed, or even go undetected for a long time. In fact, many patients do not realize they have it until the cancer has spread and it becomes too late to treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why it\u2019s essential that you recognize the signs early on so that you can get the help you need. When it comes to oral cancer, you may discover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n