At mydentist, our focus is on delivering outstanding patient care so you can feel confident in your smile and your oral health. This November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, so as the UK’s leading dental care provider, we want to shine a light on mouth cancer and talk about other important oral health issues such as gum disease, to ensure that you feel comfortable reaching out to your dentist if you have any concerns about your oral health.
What are the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer?
According to a report published by the Oral Health Foundation, as of 2022, almost 9 in 10 UK adults had heard of mouth cancer. But when it comes to spotting the signs, symptoms and risk factors of mouth cancer, the average patient may struggle. We spoke to Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, about the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, how cancer treatments may affect your oral health and the other oral diseases that affect billions of people worldwide.
Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, says: “Mouth cancer, also referred to as oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth and any age group. The severity of it can depend on how quickly it is spotted, how far it has spread, how big it is and the individual’s overall health.”
Knowing what to look out for can help you stay ahead and decide if you want to visit your dentist or doctor for a professional opinion. Here are some common signs:
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Red or white patches: These patches may appear on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth. They’re not always a sign of cancer, but it’s best to get them checked if they don’t go away.
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Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving your jaw or tongue: If it becomes harder to eat, talk, or move your mouth comfortably, it’s important to seek advice from your dentist or doctor.
Nyree adds: “Generally, mouth cancer can affect anyone, but alcohol and tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, do increase the chances of developing oral cancer. Early detection is key to improving survival rates for those contracting oral cancers, so if you are experiencing any issues or symptoms, it’s important that you get checked out as soon as possible. There is a chance that they may have a normal explanation, but if you feel concerned or you notice anything that feels out of the ordinary for you, then you should visit your local dentist for a check-up so that they can offer you a professional evaluation.”
At mydentist, we’re here to support you with any concerns you have. Contact your local mydentist practice today to make an appointment with your dentist or if you're new to mydentist find a practice local to you today.
How does mouth cancer treatment affect oral health?
Treating mouth cancer may require radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical intervention. Nyree says: “both radiation therapy and chemotherapy can affect the lining of the mouth and salivary glands, as these areas are very sensitive to radiation. This can lead to a decrease in saliva production and an imbalance to the bacteria in your mouth, resulting in dry mouth, tooth decay, mouth sores or in some cases, infections.”
Nyree recommends that those undergoing either radiation therapy or chemotherapy should try to: “use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth, a mouthwash and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol, as this could cause further irritation.”
She also suggests that if you or a loved one are undergoing treatment for cancer, it’s best to get in touch with your dentist so that they can support you with tailored advice on how to keep irritation or infections to a minimum.
Everything you need to know about oral diseases
Although November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, mouth cancer isn't the only oral health disease you should keep on your radar. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, but the good news is that most of these issues, like gum disease and tooth decay, can be prevented.
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), suggests that almost half of adults in the UK have a degree of periodontitis that is not reversible. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that periodontal disease affects around 19% of the global adult population, with more than a billion cases worldwide.
Gum disease is incredibly common and despite gum disease having some obvious tell-tale signs, some people may not experience noticeable symptoms, making regular dental check-ups vital for early detection.
Symptoms of periodontal disease that you should look out for include:
If you’re exhibiting any of these symptoms and have not recently seen your dentist for a check-up, or you’re concerned about your oral health, we recommend contacting your local mydentist practice to schedule a thorough assessment of your oral health.
At mydentist, we believe that knowledge is the key to maintaining a healthy smile. By understanding the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, gum disease, and other oral health conditions, you’re taking the first step towards better oral health.
Regular dental check-ups are your best defence—whether it's catching gum disease early or spotting signs of mouth cancer, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy, so you can keep smiling with confidence. If you're new to mydentist and looking for a practice, find your local mydentist practice today. Or, browse our comprehensive treatment offering or find more information about mydentist at www.mydentist.co.uk.