For many people, even thinking about cancer is enough to make the hairs on the back of their neck stand up. This illness has a particularly negative connotation, because each year, so many individuals lose their lives to the disease.
Although oral and throat cancer seems to be less frequently heard and read about, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 40,000 people will be diagnosed with one of these two conditions this year.
If you have a family history of oral and or throat cancer, make sure that your family dentist knows about it. Each time that you schedule an appointment for a cleaning, which should take place twice a year, he or she can examine your oral cavity for any suspicious signs.
What exactly are some signs of these types of cancers? The American Dental Association says symptoms include, but are not limited to:
1) Sores that bleed easily and don't get better.
2) A lump that is hard to the touch in your mouth.
3) Loss of feeling, pain or inflammation in your oral cavity.
4) A difference in the way your teeth align when you close your mouth.
You should also let your experienced Raleigh dentist know if you are experiencing any issues consuming food, swallowing, talking or moving your jaw or tongue. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it's important that you don't panic.
Although these typical signs that are symptomatic of the disease, they may also be attributed to other oral conditions. The sooner that you do schedule an appointment with an affordable dental care provider like Dr. Thomas Cooke.
