A routine dental appointment is about much more than checking your teeth. Every time you visit us, your dentist also carries out a mouth cancer check — a quick but important examination that could help spot early warning signs before they become more serious.
Mouth cancer is one of the few cancers in the UK where cases are rising. Over the past decade, diagnoses have increased by nearly 50%, and over 10,000 people in the UK are expected to receive the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer this year. It still claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined — but when it is found early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%.
Mouth cancer affects twice as many men as women, and the main risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and the human papillomavirus.
That is why regular oral health checks are so important. A simple visual examination can help identify suspicious lesions early, giving you the best chance of prompt treatment and a positive outcome.
What happens at your appointment?
During your visit, your dentist will examine your mouth and may also ask a few lifestyle questions to better understand your risk. Smoking, drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol, being over 50, or using chewing or smokeless tobacco can all increase the risk of developing mouth cancer.
Your dentist will then carry out a careful, methodical examination of your mouth. Using a small mirror, they will check the soft tissues, including your tongue, cheeks and the sides of your mouth, for anything unusual.
If anything looks unusual or abnormal, your dentist will refer you to a local hospital, where a specialist can carry out a more detailed examination of your mouth and throat. They may take a biopsy from any affected area so the cells can be examined closely under a microscope.
If cancerous cells are found, the consultant will explain the diagnosis and advise on the most appropriate course of treatment.
The earlier mouth cancer is spotted, the better the chances of a complete cure. Smaller areas or ulcers are often easier to treat successfully, which is why it is so important not to delay routine appointments or ignore changes in your mouth.
Top tips to help keep your mouth healthy
- Visit your dentist regularly so any changes can be identified early and treated quickly.
- When brushing your teeth, look out for red or white patches, lumps, or ulcers that do not clear up within three weeks.
- Eat a full and varied diet rich in vitamins, including plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Cut down on the amount you smoke and drink
If you are due a routine dental appointment, or you have noticed any changes in your mouth that have not cleared up within three weeks, please don’t delay. Book an appointment with the Teeth and Smiles team today by calling 020 7352 7049— a quick check could make all the difference.