Gingivitis or Gum Cancer? How to Tell the Difference.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 50% of adults have a form of gum disease. Not only is it a leading cause of tooth loss, but it can increase your risk of several potentially deadly complications, like heart disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which causes red, swollen, and inflamed gums. However, gum cancer can cause similar symptoms. About 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Although it’s easy to treat, about 8,000 people die annually from it, which is associated with late detection. If you’ve noticed changes to your gum health, here’s what you need to know to tell the difference between gingivitis and oral cancer.

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