The American Cancer Society states that approximately 30,000 American every year are diagnosed with oral cancer.  The oral cavity include the teeth, gums, lips, lining in the lips and cheeks, floor and top of the mouth and the small are behind the wisdom teeth.

Oral cancer can be deadly it it goes undetected.  Maintaining regular dental visits is essential to have your mouth properly checked not just for tooth decay but for other possible health issues such as sign of oral cancer.  There are several possible causes of oral cancer including using tobacco in any form, alcohol use, excessive exposure to the sun and oral conditions such as erythroplakia and leukoplakia. 

Symptoms of oral cancer include sores that do not heal, a red or white patch on the tongue, gums or lining of the mouth, swollen jaw, lump in the throat or mouth, change in voice, chronic sore throat, pain in the ear, bleeding, pain or numbness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing or chewing and feeling like something is caught in the throat.  These symptoms can also be signs of other medical problems so it is necessary to get the opinion of your dentist and physician for proper care and treatment.

The 411 on oral cancer is to live a healthy lifestyle, maintain good oral hygiene habits that include daily brushing and flossing and to have regular visits to the dentist for checkups.  Early detection is a key element to getting treatment and getting past a condition such as oral cancer.