During April, we continue our focus on Oral Cancer Awareness. The lifestyle habits that increase the chances of developing Oral Cancer include the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco, smoking, and also exposure to the sun. It is a myth to consider chewing tobacco a ‘safer’ form of tobacco use as compared to smoking. The chemicals in the juice of chewing tobacco are very harmful to a person’s mouth, and can cause sores that develop into oral cancer.
If you feel your past or current lifestyle habits may have affected your chances of developing oral cancer, here are some symptoms to be aware of:
- Sores in your mouth that do not heal within two weeks
- Painful areas of the mouth that may or may not bleed
- A sore throat or hoarseness when speaking
- Suspicious spots in the mouth such as lumpy or rough areas
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms or changes within your mouth.