Running through the month of November, Mouth Cancer Action Month is a charity campaign which aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer. The charity highlights the risk factors and warning signs to educate and encourage earlier diagnoses, in the hope of saving lives.
In the UK alone over 7,800 people last year were told that they have mouth cancer. The total number of people being diagnosed with this disease has increased by a third in the last 10 years and we want to help reduce that statistic.
Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
The best chance of an early diagnosis is to understand what the symptoms of mouth cancer are. The most common symptoms tend to be sore mouth ulcers that have not healed within several weeks and unexplained, persistent lumps which don’t go away and are located either in your mouth or in the lymph glands of your neck.
Other symptoms of mouth cancer include:
- Difficulty moving your jaw
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness or bleeding in your mouth
- Changes in your voice or problems with your speech
- A tooth or teeth that becomes loose with no clear explanation
- Tooth socket that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches appearing on the lining of your mouth (rarely cancerous, but is worth seeing a specialist if they do appear to stay longer than 1-2 weeks)
Seeking Specialist Help
During the initial stages of mouth cancer, the symptoms are not always that visible. Therefore, it is essential to be strict with your oral health routine and go to the dentist for a check up at least once a year, as they may detect mouth cancer during your examination.
It is particularly important to have your routine dental check up if you heavily drink, smoke or chew betel nut. In addition, if you have history of gum disease or tooth decay, it is recommended for you to have check-ups more frequently than once a year.
Many mouth cancer symptoms can also possibly be signs of something a lot less serious, including minor infections. Nevertheless, if you do experience any of the above symptoms for more than 3 weeks it is important for you to visit your GP as soon as possible.
Book Your Dental Appointment
Dentalia is a professional dental clinic and denture studio based in Basingstoke, offering highly professional dental services to both patients and dental professionals. Our qualified team are recognised for their commitment and high level of service, which has helped us get to where we are today.
If you’re worried that you may be experiencing possible symptoms of mouth cancer but aren’t sure, don’t take the risk. Put your mind at ease and book your appointment today for a routine check up and the chance to ask your dentist any questions you may have. Please call us on 01256 353033 or click here to send us a message.
