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Oral Cancer: Do You Know The Warning Signs?

Woman with a toothache

In the United States, oral cancer kills approximately 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. This projects up to 8,000 deaths per year. Now that we’ve got your attention regarding the severity of this type of cancer, here’s some good news. Oral cancer is highly treatable if it is detected early. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of its warning signs and a late discovery often means a devastating prognosis.

Since early detection is so important, it only makes sense that you do your part by learning how to identify oral cancer symptoms. Mouth cancer includes cancer in any part of the oral cavity or oropharynx, including the mouth, gums and lips as well the throat at the back of your mouth. It’s symptoms and warning signs may not be as obvious as you think, so educating yourself is strongly advised.

Its symptoms cover a wide range, some not as obvious as you may think. Nevertheless, here are the warning signs of oral cancer:

  • White, red, or mixed red and white spots (or patches) on your tongue, gums, or any other tissues in your mouth
  • A sore or irritation in the mouth that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • Persistent tenderness, pain, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
  • A thick, rough, or crusty spot, or a small area in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, talking, or moving your jaw or tongue
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
  • A change in your voice that isn’t due to a cold or allergies
  • An earache that doesn’t go away
  • Numbness of the lower lip and chin

By conducting your own self-check at home on a regular basis, you can potentially save your life. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please address your concerns with your dentist. Mitzi Morris, DMD, PC recommends an oral cancer screening on a yearly basis during one of your routine dental exams. However, it is equally important that patients take note and promptly respond to any warning signs or abnormal changes in their lips, cheek, gums or throat.

In addition to being aware of the warning signs of oral cancer, you can also take steps in prevention. Keep your mouth and body at optimal health. This includes seeing your dentist every six months, maintaining proper oral hygiene at home as well as adopting a well-balanced diet and exercising. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco products can also greatly reduce your risk for mouth cancer.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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