At Aurora Dental and Implant Clinic, your dentist will carry out a thorough examination of your mouth during a standard appointment to detect any potential problems as early as possible.
Oral or mouth cancer occurs when malignant cells develop within and around the mouth. This may be on the lips or inside the cheeks, on the tongue or the roof of the mouth, or along the gums.
Some common signs of mouth cancer include bleeding mouth ulcers that struggle to heal, a persistent sore throat, lumps around the neck, discoloured patches within the mouth (usually white or red), and general discomfort within and around the mouth.
The risk factors for mouth cancer include – but are not limited to – high alcohol consumption and smoking. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can also increase your risk of oral cancer.
Screening for mouth cancer is very straightforward. It involves your dentist conducting a thorough examination of your mouth, face and neck – something which is generally done during a routine checkup.