Oral cancer is a serious disease, but it's one that can be cured if it's caught early. That's why it's so important to see your dentist regularly for checkups. During your checkup, your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer, including:
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks
- Sores that don't heal
- Lumps or thickening in the gums, tongue, or cheeks
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Numbness or pain in the mouth
If your dentist finds any of these signs, they may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope.
