Your tongue offers a window into your overall health. Deviations from its normal appearance, or any pain, may indicate other issues. When you come in for a routine cleaning, cancer is probably the furthest thing on your mind. However, it’s during a dental checkup that head, neck and oral cancers are initially detected. Any bump or sore on your tongue (or elsewhere in your mouth) that lingers longer than two weeks needs to be looked at. Sores and bumps on your tongue can also be from grinding your teeth or biting your tongue. As with any disease process, early detection improves treatment options and their success. It’s just one more reason why we recommend regular dental checkups. You can be sure we’ll check your teeth and gums, but we’ll also examine your tongue and other tissues in your mouth. Schedule yours today.