Have you been a cigarette smoker, or maybe you have used another type of tobacco, and are worried about the potential development of oral cancer? If so, you might be curious to know some of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.
Even if you have not used tobacco products, you may still want to consider reading this article. The reason it is important for you, is that 25% of people who develop oral cancer have never used tobacco in one way or another.
Did you know that 42,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with oral or throat cancer this year? That is according to the American Dental Association. The best way to detect oral cancer in its early stages is to receive regular dental checkups.
In addition to receiving regular oral checkups, you should look for the following signs and symptoms:
- Lumps or bumps inside of your mouth and on your gums
- Areas of rough or crusted skin along your lips
- Red, white, or red and white spotted areas in your mouth
- Numbness or lack of sensation in your mouth, neck, or face
- The feeling of something being stuck in your throat
- Bleeding that cannot be attributed to anything else
- Extreme and unexplained weight loss
- Pain when swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw
If you notice any of the above signs, we recommend receiving an oral cancer screening ASAP. While oral cancer is serious and can be deadly, spotting it early on will greatly improve your ability to receive treatment. 
Do you want to receive an oral cancer screening?
If you are a smoker or use tobacco products, it is especially important to receive regular oral wellness check-ups and oral cancer screenings.