Mouth Cancer: Causes, Symptoms & Early Detection

atlanticdentalprac
1 minute ago
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What Is Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, refers to cancer that can develop in any part of the mouth – including the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and gums. It can also affect the throat (oropharyngeal cancer).

How Common Is Mouth Cancer in the UK?

In the UK, more than 8,800 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. Worryingly, the disease has seen a 49% increase in cases over the last decade.

What Can Cause Mouth Cancer?

There are several risk factors, including:

Smoking and tobacco use (including chewing tobacco)
Excessive alcohol consumption
HPV (human papillomavirus) – a virus passed on through oral sex
Poor diet, especially lacking in fruits and vegetables
Sun exposure (increasing the risk of lip cancer)

Reducing these risk factors significantly lowers your chances of developing the disease.

Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

The most common signs include:

Mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
Unexplained lumps or swelling in the mouth or neck
Red or white patches inside the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
Unexplained numbness in the lips, tongue, or face

Why Early Detection Matters

If caught early, mouth cancer has a survival rate of over 80%. Regular visits to your dentist are your first line of defence. Our trained dental team will check for abnormalities during your routine check-up and refer you for further testing if needed.

How to Prevent Mouth Cancer

Here are some practical steps you can take to protect your oral health:

Stop smoking – we can recommend local quit-smoking support services
Reduce alcohol intake
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Practice safe sex and consider the HPV vaccine
Wear SPF lip balm when exposed to the sun
Visit your dentist regularly for oral health checks

Get expert advice

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. If it’s been a while since your last check-up, or you have concerns about a persistent sore, lump, or ulcer, book a check-up online with our friendly dental team at Hampton Dental Care. We perform a mouth cancer screening during every dental check-up to help detect problems early.