Some of the most common causes of oral cancer are from:
- Tobacco use including -cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco
- Heavy use of alcohol combined with tobacco use can lead to oral cancer
- Not properly caring for your teeth and gums over a prolonged time
- Exposure to the sun on your lips – not using a lip balm with sunscreen
- A previous oral cancer diagnosis
Early symptoms of oral cancer include:
- a sore on your lip, in your mouth, or in your throat that does not heal
- a lump on your lip, in your mouth, or in your throat that does not heal
- a red or white patch found anywhere in your mouth
- any unusual pain or bleeding in your mouth
- swelling of your mouth
- difficulty or discomfort when chewing or swallowing
Many dentists will perform an oral exam of your mouth during your dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Watch this video from the ADA American Dental Association