Mouth Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Signs, Check Your Mouth, Save Lives 💙

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness of mouth cancer, recognise the warning signs and encourage everyone to take their oral health seriously.

At Dawley Dental Practice, we want to help our patients understand what to look out for and why early detection matters.

Mouth cancer can affect anyone, and although it can be a frightening subject, knowing the signs and seeking professional advice when something doesn’t look or feel right can make a real difference.

What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can develop in different areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth.

More than 11,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer in the UK every year, and cases have been increasing.

One of the most important things to remember is that mouth cancer can affect people of all ages. It is not something that only happens to older adults or people who smoke.

What are the warning signs of mouth cancer?

Knowing what is normal for your mouth makes it easier to recognise when something changes.

Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for include:

– Mouth ulcers that don’t heal: Particularly an ulcer that has not healed after three weeks.

– Red or white patches: Unusual patches anywhere inside your mouth.

– Unexplained lumps or swellings: Particularly in your mouth, on your lips, jaw or neck.

– Persistent mouth pain: Pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away.

– Difficulty swallowing or chewing: Any ongoing difficulty or discomfort.

– Changes to your voice: Including persistent hoarseness or difficulty speaking.

– Unexplained numbness: Changes in sensation around your mouth or tongue.

These symptoms do not automatically mean you have mouth cancer, but they should never be ignored.

If you notice a concerning lump, patch or other unusual change, seek advice promptly rather than waiting. If you have a mouth ulcer that has not healed within three weeks, arrange an appointment with your dentist or GP.

Who is at greater risk?

Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk.

These include:

– Smoking and using tobacco products.

– Drinking alcohol, particularly regularly or in higher quantities.

– Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

– Prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can increase the risk of lip cancer.

Reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco and protecting your lips from UV exposure can help reduce certain risks.

How can you check your mouth?

Getting familiar with your mouth is a simple habit that can help you notice changes.

Try checking your mouth regularly in a well-lit room using a mirror.

Take a moment to look at:

– Your lips, including the inside.

– Your tongue, including the sides and underneath.

– Your gums and the inside of your cheeks.

– The roof and floor of your mouth.

Look for unusual lumps, swelling, ulcers, red or white patches, or anything that looks different from normal.

Remember, checking your own mouth is not a replacement for professional dental examinations.

Why are regular dental examinations so important?

Dental examinations are about much more than checking your teeth for decay.

Your dentist can also assess the soft tissues of your mouth and look for unusual changes that may need further investigation.

If something needs a closer look, your dental team can advise you on the appropriate next steps and referral where necessary.

We encourage all our patients to keep up with their regular dental appointments and to speak to us if they have noticed anything unusual between visits.

This November, help us spread awareness 💙

Mouth Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to look after your oral health, know the warning signs and encourage friends and family to do the same.

A few minutes spent checking your mouth and knowing when to seek advice could make an important difference.

Don’t ignore the signs. Don’t delay getting checked.

If you have noticed any unusual changes in your mouth or are due for a dental examination, contact Dawley Dental Practice. Our friendly team is here to help.

💙 Dawley Dental Practice – Your smile and your health matter to us.