Here are the first symptoms… See more

What to do: If your canker sore does not heal within two weeks, consult your dentist or doctor.

White or red spots in the mouth

A change in tissue color may be a signal of a pathological process:

Leukoplakia: white spots that cannot be removed.

Erythroplakia: red, velvety spots (most often precancerous or cancerous).

Mixed lesions: a combination of red and white areas.

Treatment: For stubborn stains, consult a doctor.

Unexplained bleeding

Bleeding for no apparent reason (injury, tooth brushing) may be a worrying sign.

What to do: If bleeding is recurrent or cannot be explained, consult your doctor.

Lumps, bumps, or roughness

Any lump, bump, or thickening of tissue in the mouth, tongue, or throat can be a warning sign. They are often painless initially, but they can enlarge over time.