Warning signs

• A sore, irritation, or lump in your mouth or throat

• Red or white patches in your mouth

• Numbness in your tongue or mouth

• Difficulty when you chew, swallow, speak, or move your tongue or jaw

• Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit well anymore

• The feeling of something caught in your throat

• Being hoarse or noticing a change in your voice

Things that increase your risk

Tobacco and alcohol: Use of any type of tobacco or alcohol increases your risk for oral cancer.

HPV: Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to oral cancer. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Ask your doctor if you can get a vaccine to protect against HPV.

Age: Most oral cancer occurs in people over 40.

Regular checkups can catch cancer early

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to see your dentist twice a year. They know the signs to look for and can schedule tests if they have any concerns.

If you haven’t already, make an appointment with your dentist today!

Source: American Dental Association (ADA): mouthhealthy.org.