5 signs in the mouth that should not be ignored

Although many people associate dentists only with dental care, this professional also plays a fundamental role in the early identification of changes in the oral cavity during routine consultations.

According to Juliana Machado, coordinator of the Dentistry course at Faculdade Anhanguera, initial injuries tend to be painless and, precisely for this reason, end up being neglected by patients.

"Most of the initial changes do not cause pain, which causes many people to postpone seeking care. During the clinical examination, the dentist evaluates the entire oral cavity, including the tongue, mucous membranes, gums, palate, floor of the mouth and lips, being able to identify lesions that often go unnoticed by the patient. The sooner the diagnosis occurs, the greater the chances of treatment and the better the clinical results", he explains.

The specialist highlights that not every change in the mouth represents cancer, but some characteristics deserve attention, especially when they persist for more than two weeks.

1. Wounds that don't heal

Ulcers or canker sores that remain for more than 15 days, even without pain, should be evaluated by a dentist. Persistent lesions may indicate malignant changes, especially when they have hard edges or an irregular appearance.

2. White or reddish spots

Whitish plaques (leukoplakia) or reddish plaques (erythroplakia) that cannot be removed by brushing are considered potentially malignant lesions and require clinical investigation. In some cases, they may represent cellular changes that are precursors to oral cancer.

3. Nodules or hardened areas

The appearance of lumps, thickenings or hardened areas in the mouth, tongue, lips or neck may indicate important changes. These signs deserve evaluation, especially when they do not disappear spontaneously.

4. Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue

Persistent changes in chewing, swallowing or tongue mobility may be related to compromised structures of the oral cavity and oropharynx. When these symptoms persist, clinical investigation is essential.

5. Numbness, spontaneous bleeding, or persistent hoarseness

A feeling of numbness in some region of the mouth, bleeding without an apparent cause and hoarseness that lasts more than 14 days can also be warning signs, especially when associated with other symptoms or risk factors.

Juliana highlights that some habits significantly increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer.

"Smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages continue to be the main risk factors for cancer, including oral cancer. In addition to them, HPV infection, unprotected sun exposure, especially on the lips, and poor oral hygiene can also contribute to the development of these diseases. Prevention involves adopting healthy habits and having regular dental appointments", he states.

The specialist reinforces that self-examination of the mouth can help in perceiving changes, but does not replace professional assessment. She highlights that when brushing your teeth or performing oral hygiene, it is important to observe the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, the gums and the lips.

"Any change that persists for more than two weeks must be evaluated by a dentist. Periodic monitoring remains the best strategy to detect possible injuries early and increase the chances of successful treatment", he concludes.