Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral cancer awareness month. Oral cancer can be treated effectively if caught early. "Oral cancer can affect any area of the mouth, including the lips, gums, the hard or soft palate, cheek lining and tongue. Oral cancer often starts as a small white or red spot or sore somewhere in the mouth and often goes unnoticed until it has spread into another part of the body.Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. Knowing the early signs can also increase survival. Early signs include: 

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
• A color change of the oral tissues.
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area.
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• A change in the way the teeth fit together.

Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/15/04/p5412691/for-oral-cancer-awareness-month-california-dental-association-encourage#ixzz3XUHRLBxt