Canker sores when tired? Missing 'this symptom' increases the risk of oral cancer

 

Mouth ulcers occur whenever you are tired or have a weakened immune system. Since they appear and disappear frequently, many people take them lightly. However, if a mouth ulcer persists for more than two weeks, you should suspect cancer.

If small, round ulcers less than 1cm in the mouth appear 2 to 4 times and disappear within two weeks, it is aphthous stomatitis. It accounts for about 60% of stomatitis cases and is quite common. It often occurs when nutritional status is poor or in autoimmune diseases. Diabetes also has an influence. Diabetic patients tend to have dry mouths easily, and when the mouth is dry, wounds and inflammation tend to occur easily and do not heal well.

People who frequently develop stomatitis usually experience recurrences two to three times a year. As the recurrence experience accumulates, it becomes easy to dismiss the occurrence of stomatitis as insignificant. However, if a stomatitis that appears once does not disappear for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop in the mouth, such as on the lips, tongue, gums, or the inner surface of the cheeks. It is common among middle-aged men over 40, but the incidence is also increasing among younger people. It is quite dangerous, with a mortality rate of up to 44% within five years, but early detection is difficult, leading to delayed treatment.

Oral cancer typically presents as red or white ulcers in the mouth, accompanied by pain lasting longer than two weeks. In addition to this,

 

Swelling inside the mouth

 

Partial discoloration of the oral cavity

 

▲Tooth mobility

 

Difficulty chewing or swallowing food

 

Discomfort in moving the tongue and jaw

 

If these symptoms appear, it is advisable to suspect oral cancer and visit a hospital immediately.

Prevention of stomatitis

 

It is good to thoroughly brush between your teeth and receive regular check-ups.

 

Be careful with excessively hot beverages or foods, as they can irritate the oral mucosa and cause inflammation.

 

3. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and spicy, salty foods.

 

4. Get enough sleep to maintain your immune system.

 

Eating a balanced diet that includes foods containing vitamins B and C is helpful. Vitamin B is abundant in spinach, tomatoes, and bananas, while vitamin C is found in high amounts in bell peppers, oranges, and broccoli.