Mouth Cancer Action Month is held in November every year and is supported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation and the British Dental Health Foundation. All of us here at Whitgift Dental are trying to raise awareness about Mouth cancer as it is such an important part of Dentistry!
Mouth cancer is twice more common in men than in women, though an increasing number of women are being diagnosed with the disease.
This is how you Dentist checks for oral cancer or any changes in your mouth.
Cancer Research UK has given us some signs and symptoms to look for to spot oral cancer early!!
Symptoms of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
The two most common symptoms of mouth cancer are
A broken area of skin (ulcer) in the mouth that will not heal – 80 out of every 100 people with mouth cancer (80%) have this symptom
Discomfort or pain in the mouth that will not go away
Other symptoms can include
A white or red patch in the mouth or throat that will not go away
A lump or thickening on the lip, or in the mouth or throat
Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing
A feeling that something is caught in the throat
Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
Loose teeth for no apparent reason
Difficulty moving the jaw
Speech problems
A lump in the neck
Weight loss
Bad breath (halitosis)
Less serious conditions than cancer may cause many of these symptoms. But it is important that you report any of these symptoms to your doctor or dentist.
If you notice any changes in your mouth or if there is anything that concerns you, Big or small; don’t hesitate to see come and see us!
Give us a call on 0208 686 3954 or click here to book in on line!