Mouth Cancer Action Month: If in Doubt, Get Checked Out
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month
Mouth cancer can affect anyone. Spotting it early makes a real difference. This November, we’re backing Mouth Cancer Action Month with one simple message: if in doubt, get checked out.
At Boroughbridge Dental Centre, our dentists check for signs of mouth cancer at every routine examination. Read on to learn the signs, check your own mouth and help spread the word.
● Why mouth cancer awareness matters
Mouth cancer can affect your lips, tongue, gums and cheeks. It can also affect the roof or floor of your mouth and your throat. Thousands of people in the UK receive a mouth cancer diagnosis every year, and the number keeps rising.
The good news? Early detection gives you a much better chance of successful treatment. So learn the signs and keep up with your regular check-ups.
● Mouth cancer signs to look out for
- 🩹Ulcers that won’t healA mouth ulcer that hasn’t healed within three weeks
- 🔴Red or white patchesUnusual red or white patches inside the mouth
- 🔍Lumps or swellingAny unusual lump or swelling in the mouth, head or neck
- 🗣️Other changesA persistent hoarse voice, or difficulty swallowing
Remember the three-week rule
Have any of these signs lasted longer than three weeks? Book to see your dentist or GP. It’s most likely nothing serious, but it’s always worth a check.
● Know the mouth cancer risk factors
Anyone can get mouth cancer, even people with no risk factors. But these things increase your risk:
- Smoking and tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Chewing tobacco, betel or paan
- Too much sun on the lips
You can lower your risk. Cut down on smoking and alcohol. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Use a lip balm with SPF.
● Your one-minute mouth cancer check
All you need is a mirror and good light. Try this once a month:
- 1
Face and neck: Look for any swelling. Gently feel under your jaw and down your neck for lumps.
- 2
Lips: Pull out your top and bottom lips. Look for sores or colour changes.
- 3
Gums and cheeks: Check your gums. Then pull each cheek out with a finger and look inside.
- 4
Tongue: Stick your tongue out. Check the top, both sides and underneath.
- 5
Roof and floor of the mouth: Tilt your head back to see the roof of your mouth. Then lift your tongue to check underneath.
Spotted something unusual? Don’t panic. Just give us a call.
● Mouth cancer checks at your dental check-up
At every dental check-up in Boroughbridge, your dentist looks at more than your teeth. They also check your lips, tongue, cheeks and gums. They examine your head and neck too. It only takes a moment. If anything needs a closer look, we’ll explain the next steps and refer you if needed.
Regular visits to our hygienist help too. They give a trained eye another chance to spot changes early.
Feeling anxious about coming in? You’re not alone. See how we support nervous patients. Our friendly team will take things at your pace.
💙 Support Mouth Cancer Action Month
The Oral Health Foundation runs Mouth Cancer Action Month. This UK charity works to improve oral health and raise mouth cancer awareness. Here’s how you can help:
- Wear blue on Blue Wednesday and share a photo.
- Take a blue lip selfie and share it to get people talking.
- Share this post with friends and family. It could prompt someone to get checked.
- Learn more or donate on the Oral Health Foundation website.
Share your blue on Instagram or Facebook and tag us. We’ll reshare our favourites!
If in doubt, get checked out.
Overdue a check-up? Noticed something that hasn’t healed? Book now and we’ll take a look.
This post gives general information. It doesn’t replace a professional examination. Worried about changes in your mouth? Please contact us or your GP.
