🩺 Risk is rising due to both traditional causes (like tobacco) and newer ones like HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
⚠️ 7 Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
These symptoms don’t mean you have cancer — but they do need evaluation by a dentist or doctor if they last more than two weeks.
1. Sores That Don’t Heal
- A mouth ulcer or open wound that persists
- Often mistaken for a canker sore — but doesn’t go away
- May bleed easily
🛑 One of the most common early signs.
2. Red or White Patches
- Leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red, slightly raised patches)
- Can appear on gums, tongue, or inside cheeks
- Erythroplakia is especially concerning — often precancerous
🦷 Dentists check for these during routine exams.
3. Lumps or Thickening in the Mouth or Neck
- A bump on the lip, gum, or side of the tongue
- Swelling in the jaw or neck (could indicate lymph node involvement)
✅ Check monthly — know what’s normal for you.
4. Persistent Pain or Numbness
- Ongoing mouth pain, even without visible injury
- Numbness in the tongue, lips, or face
- Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
🧠 Could signal nerve involvement.
5. Difficulty Chewing, Swallowing, or Speaking
- Trouble moving the jaw or tongue