Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to raise awareness of the disease, in hope to push earlier diagnoses. Throughout the month of November, the Oral Health Foundation invests in Mouth Cancer Action Month to educate the public on the early signs of mouth cancer and when to seek medical advice.
To keep your oral health in check, here are the mouth cancer symptoms to watch out for:
Early Signs
By being able to identify early signs of mouth cancer, you can get an earlier diagnosis ready for treatment. The disease can develop throughout your mouth, including your lips, gums and sometimes your throat.
The most common symptoms of mouth cancer are below:
- Sore ulcers which last longer than a few weeks
- Unexpected, persistent mouth lumps
- Unexpected, persistent lumps on your lymph glands in your neck
In addition, you could also experience the following:
- Unintended weight loss
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Struggling to move your jaw
- Speech difficulties or voice changes
- Blood or a numb feeling in your mouth
- White or red patches on your mouth’s lining
- Tooth socket not healing after a tooth extraction
- Struggling to swallow or experiencing pain while doing so
How a Dentist Can Help
During the initial stages of developing mouth cancer, your symptoms may not be so visible. Therefore, by attending routine dental appointments, your dentist can monitor your overall oral health and check for early symptoms.
If you are overdue a dentist appointment, we recommend booking as soon as possible.
When to Book an Appointment
Some of the above symptoms could be nothing or be a symptom of something much less serious. However, it is always worth getting checked out if you have any concerns.
If any of the above symptoms do not heal within three weeks, book an appointment with your dentist or GP. This is especially important if you regularly consume alcohol or smoke.
Mouth Cancer Action Month 2019
If you are hoping to receive orthodontic treatment, you need strong, healthy gums and teeth. Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding your oral health or mouth cancer, it is important to seek medical advice.
For more information on mouth cancer and how you can get involved with Mouth Cancer Action Month, click here. You will be guided to a webpage filled with helpful resources, including medical advice and fundraising news. Know the symptoms, seek help and get treated!