Mouth cancer action month – what you need to know

It’s November, which means it’s also Mouth Cancer Action Month. This charity campaign has been set up by the Oral Health Foundation to raise awareness of the dangers of mouth cancer.

This year’s campaign is more important than ever given the rise in diagnosed cases, with 9,000 new incidences being diagnosed annually – double the number recorded 20 years ago.

Most dentists now check patients for signs of oropharyngeal cancer or evidence of abnormal cells during routine visits. Oral cancer specialists recommend check-ups every six to 12 months, during which a dentist will examine not only the teeth and gum areas, but also the soft tissue located in the oral cavity. If he or she identifies any suspicious tissue, the case may be referred to an oral cancer specialist, to determine if the growth is cancerous.

Mouth cancer is a silent but potentially lethal disease that can often go unnoticed until it’s too late. It can be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking or via sexual transmission or lip exposure to ultraviolet light. Dentists say there are different symptoms to look out for, which if detected should be reported immediately. These include ulcers that last more than three weeks, red or white patches, lumps inside the mouth, throat or on lips, swollen glands or recurring mouth pains, and any difficulties speaking or swallowing.

Next time you arrange an appointment for dentures in Chester, or any routine oral examination, speak to the advanced care team at Art of Dental Care for more details on mouth cancer, and how to prevent it.