The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer. The following can be signs at the beginning of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

Red patches (Erythroplasia) or white patches (Leukoplakia) in the mouth

A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily

A lump or thickening on the skin lining on the inside of the mouth

Chronic sore throat or hoarseness

Difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We would recommend performing oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.

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For Existing Sunshine Dental Patients - In the Event of a Dental Emergency Call: (315) 681-0100*

*We will try our best to return all calls, but we are not “on-call”. This number is intended to be a resource, and not a substitute for emergency care. If it is a true emergency, please contact your nearest emergency room.

315-779-8080 Fax: 315-779-8085 • 140 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, NY 13601 •

email: sunshinedental@nnymail.com