Infection in teeth and gums? Spot symptoms of oral cancer

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If there is any unidentified infection in the area surrounding your teeth and gums, or if you are experiencing severe pain, it could be a warning sign of mouth cancer. Don't overlook these symptoms of mouth cancer and seek timely treatment.

Oral cancer can affect various parts of the mouth such as the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth. Preventing oral cancer involves lifestyle changes and quitting harmful habits like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

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Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing and replacing toothbrushes is crucial in preventing abnormal cell growth in the mouth. This type of cancer impacts men when compared to women due to chewing tobacco or betel nut products.

The use of tobacco for chewing, as well as various other substances like betel nuts, pan masala and similar products commonly found in our nation, is notable and seen in a large number of people. These items are often packaged in small sachets and widely distributed across the country, ensuring easy availability. Hence, timely detection after witnessing symptoms and prompt treatment are essential to tackle oral cancer.

Don't ignore these symptoms of oral cancer:

1. Ignoring your dental health can cause oral cancer. It is important to monitor persistent sores that do not heal for a long time.

2. Loose teeth, jaw ulcers, swollen gums, jaw swelling and persistent pain can all have an impact. Tumours impacting the bones, muscles or nerves in the head and neck area can result in restricted jaw movement. People with long-standing chewing habits and infections around the gums and teeth must seek help without any delay and get the proper diagnosis of cancer.

3. Changes in the voice, hoarseness, and inability to swallow could mean cancer in the nasal passages, throat or vocal cords. So, beware of these warning signs.

4. Persistent lumps or masses in the neck, throat or mouth should be promptly checked for cancerous growths.

5. Chronic bad breath that doesn't improve with oral care may indicate tumours in the mouth or jaw.

6. Unhealed sores or ulcers within the mouth may signal oral cancer, underscoring the necessity of routine dental examinations.

7. Recognising these cues and indicators is beneficial, as it provides an opportunity for early intervention to enhance treatment results and the overall prognosis of cancer.

(Dr. Vikram Ghanekar, Surgical Oncologist, Onco-Lifecare Cancer Centre, Chiplun)

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