Loose tooth may signal mouth cancer as early warning signs emerge

Mouth and throat cancers are often diagnosed late due to unrecognized early symptoms. A recent report highlights five lesser-known warning signs, including a loose tooth, persistent numbness, ear pain, voice changes, and a chronic sore throat. A loose tooth that does not heal, especially with pain or swelling, may indicate oral cancer. Other symptoms, like strange sensations or persistent earaches, can arise from tumors pressing on nerves. The American Cancer Society estimates 59,660 new cases of mouth and throat cancer will be diagnosed this year. Early detection is critical, with a significant drop in survival rates if diagnosis occurs months after symptoms appear.