Oral Cancer self-exam | Lorne Park Dental Associates | Mississauga

Oral Cancer Self-Exam: How to check your mouth between dental visits

Learn here about oral cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms. Know what's normal and be alert for changes in your mouth by doing a regular oral cancer self-exam.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Tobacco
Alcohol
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Epstein-Barr Virus
Betel quid and areca nut
Previous cancer
Family history of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
Sun exposure
Diet low in vegetables and fruit
Weakened immune system
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
Lichen planus
Poor oral health
Inherited conditions

Top 7 Risk Factors for Oral Cancer - American Dental Association

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often causes symptoms at an early stage. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as oral cancer.

The most common symptom of oral cancer is an ulcer or sore in the mouth or on the lip that doesn't heal. Another common symptom of oral cancer is pain in the mouth that doesn't go away.

a sore that doesn't heal
pain in the mouth that doesn't go away
a sore that bleeds
tongue pain
white patches, red patches or mixed red and white patches on the lips or in the mouth
a lump or growth on the lips, in the mouth or on the tongue
thickening of the inner cheek lining
earache that doesn't go away
loose teeth
dentures that no longer fit
slurred speech
voice changes
swollen salivary glands
swollen lymph nodes in the neck
numbness or loss of sensation over the tongue or lips
jaw pain or stiffness
difficult or painful swallowing
difficult or painful chewing
weight loss