For Mouth Cancer Action Month, we would like to share information about how we, as a Sheffield Dentist, support our patients and local community.

Mouth Cancer is the general term given to the variety of malignant tumours that develop in the mouth.

As your local Sheffield Dentist, we screen for different types of head and neck cancer during your assessment with us,  i.e. throat (pharynx), voicebox (larynx), salivary glands, nose, sinuses, lips and skin.   

Studies show that mouth cancer is on the increase and that early detection dramatically improves the chances of recovery.  According to the Oral Health Foundation: “More than 3,034 people in the UK die from mouth cancer every year. There are, on average, almost 8,846 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. The number of new cases of mouth cancer is on the increase, and in the UK has increased by over half in the last decade alone.”

What is involved in a Cancer Screening?

• We analyse your oral health history to determine any risk factors that you might have.
• Perform a thorough examination of the outside of your mouth, head and neck by observation and touch.
• Perform a thorough internal examination of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks and under your tongue.
• Any inconclusive findings will be referred to a specialist.

Important Things To Remember

Symptoms

• An ulcer or white or red patch anywhere in the mouth that does not heal within 3 weeks.
• A lump or swelling anywhere in the mouth, jaw or neck that persists for more than 3 weeks.
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Numbness of tongue or other area of the mouth.
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
• A chronic sore throat or hoarseness that persists more than 6 weeks.
• Unexplained loosening of teeth.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use is the main cause of mouth cancer.
• Drinking alcohol to excess can increase risks four-fold.
• Drinking and smoking together can make mouth cancer up to 30 times more likely to develop.
• Poor diet and social deprivation is linked to a third of all cancer cases.
• The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), could overtake tobacco and alcohol as the main risk factor within the next decade.
• Exposure to the sun is a cause of skin cancer which can affect the lips and face.

Prevention

What can you do to help prevent Mouth Cancer? The Oral Health Foundation recommends:

1. Stop smoking, and cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink.
2. Eat a balanced, healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. This can also help protect against many other cancers.
3. Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

The most important thing to remember is, IF IN DOUBT, GET CHECKED OUT. As your Sheffield Dentist, we are here to support you and your oral health.

Mouth Cancer Action Month

Every year we support the Oral Health Foundation’s ‘Mouth Cancer Action Month’. This involves raising awareness of Mouth Cancer, and how to perform self-checks at home. Follow us on social media to receive updates about our Mouth Cancer Action activity each year.

Find out more

To find out more about Mouth Cancer, the signs and symptoms, and how to support Mouth Cancer Action Month each year, you can visit the Oral Health Foundation’s website here:

Ready to book?

Attending regular check-ups is important in spotting early signs and symptoms of Mouth Cancer. As your local Sheffield Dentist, we are here to support you and your oral and overall health. Book your appointment online today here: