Oral Cancer: How Your Tooth Pain May be an Indication

Approximately 45,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Unfortunately, only about half of those diagnosed will survive for five years. Even though oral cancer treatments can be highly effective if the disease is caught early, many people either ignore or are unfamiliar with early warning signs.

Oral cancer is any cancer that affects the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, sinuses, or cheeks. In addition to being potentially life-threatening, oral cancer can have devastating emotional and psychological effects. The treatment for the disease often involves surgery that can leave the individual disfigured or unable to speak or eat normally.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors:

Men over the age of 50 are at greatest risk for oral cancer. The following risk factors have also been linked to a higher incidence of oral cancer.

• You have a history of smoking or using smokeless tobacco.

• You have a family history of cancer.

• You have a history of excessive sun exposure, especially when young.

• You have a history of excessive alcohol consumption.

• You have HPV. Certain strains of the human papillomavirus have been linked to oral cancer.


Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

You should see your doctor or dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sores on your neck, mouth, or face that do not heal.

• Lumps, bumps, or discolored patches in your mouth.

• Unexplained swelling or bleeding in your mouth.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Pain in your teeth or when moving your jaw.

• Unexplained ear pain.

• A persistent sore throat or change in your voice.

• Tingling, pain, or numbness in your face, mouth, or neck.

• A change in how your dentures or teeth fit together.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to have routine dental exams. You dentist will look for sores or abnormal tissue as part of the exam. Your dentist can perform a simple biopsy if there is anything suspicious. A biopsy is typically performed using a small brush to get a tissue sample. In some instances, your dentist may have to use a small scalpel and local anesthetic to obtain the sample.


Treatment for Oral Cancer:

Oral cancer treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected tissue. This is usually followed by chemotherapy or radiation.

Unexplained changes or pain in your teeth, gums, mouth, or throat warrant immediate attention. A visit to your dentist will help identify the source of the problem and potentially even save your life.

Dr. Roman Temkin is a family dentist from NYC.