Mouth cancer continues to be a big problem, with many people being affected by the condition each year. One of the biggest issues with treatment is when there is late detection of symptoms. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to our oral health. This includes looking out for possible signs and symptoms, and regularly visiting a dentist to get professional advice.
Mouth cancer is a type of cancer which affects millions of people around the world each year. While recovery rates are strong, it can be life-threatening in many cases.
Many people focus on their physical health. It is common for oral health to be neglected. However, our oral health and physical health are intrinsically linked. Therefore, oral health needs to be valued highly.
It is important to pay close attention to our oral health. Crucially, there are some warning signs and symptoms that we can look out for, especially in terms of mouth cancer.
A dentist will be able to look out for any signs of mouth cancer, and offer practical advice where needed. This confirms again the importance of visiting a dentist for a regular check-up.
Background
Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. Surprisingly, it is a form of cancer that many are unaware of. Mouth cancer is actually the sixth most common form of cancer around the world [1].
One study found that 2.1% of cases of cancer were mouth cancer [2]. Moreover, the same study found that 145,000 patients around the world die each year of factors relating to mouth cancer [2].
The rates of mouth cancer have largely remained steady in recent years. However, lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol and obesity have all been linked with a rise in some parts of the world, including India [3].
Warning signs
There are warning signs that we can all look out for. For example, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) outline six potential warning signs and symptoms of mouth cancer [4]:
- Painful mouth ulcers which last for several weeks
- Unexplained lumps in the mouth or neck that do not go away
- Loose teeth or sockets which do not heal, typically after a tooth extraction
- Feeling of persistent numbness in the tongue of the mouth or lip
- White or red patches in the lining of the mouth or tongue
- Changes in speech, such as a lisp
It is important to mention that any of the above warning signs can be an issue, and should not be ignored. Equally, the above is not an exhaustive list of symptoms.
The problem of late detection
Mouth cancer is normally not deadly. The NHS suggests that when mouth cancer is diagnosed early, 9 in 10 people will be cured through surgery alone [4].
But this does show the importance of early detection. If the early warning signs of mouth cancer are missed, then the chances of recovery become poorer. If left untreated, symptoms will worsen, and will become more difficult to recover from.
In fact, the Mouth Cancer Foundation have said that most deaths from mouth cancer are due to late detection [5]. This is “due to a low public awareness of the signs, symptoms and risks” [5].
Preventing mouth cancer
Because of the importance of early detection, it is crucial to see your dentist regularly. By visiting the dentist, any potential signs of mouth cancer can be picked up on. If there are problems, then treatment can begin quickly.
The useful thing about seeing the dentist is that they can provide a comprehensive check on a person’s oral health. Not only will they look out for cavities, plaque and gum health, but they will also look for signs of mouth cancer and similar ailments.
At the very least, if you come across some of the above symptoms, you should not delay in seeing a dental professional. Some people can be reluctant to see a dentist because of the costs involved, but this can be a life-or-death situation.
Aside from attending regular dental check-ups, there are other ways of aiding the prevention of oral cancer. This includes not smoking, lowering alcohol consumption, and eating a healthy diet which includes plenty of fruit and vegetables [4].
Mouth cancer can affect anyone, at any time. Staying alert is important, and having excellent dental hygiene can help towards strong oral health. Looking out for the warning signs discussed above is very important. Overall, it is important to value our oral health, and do what we can to prevent mouth-related conditions from arising.
Thinking points…
- 1) Were you aware of any of the warning signs? Are you, or anyone in your family, affected by these symptoms? If so, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible! A lot of the time, it won’t be anything to worry about, but it is important to seek professional advice and treatment.
- 2) This article shows the importance of attending the dentist on a regular basis. Are you due a check-up? If so, we recommend booking an appointment soon! By seeing a dentist, they will be able to check the overall state of your oral health, and offer recommendations where necessary.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provides its patients with a warm welcome, a comfortable experience and advice whenever needed.
We recommend that our patients attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. We also have some cosmetic treatments too!
Importantly, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is helpful.
Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.
We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadental.ca.
References
- [1] Warnakulasuriya, S. (2009). Causes of oral cancer — an appraisal of controversies. British Dental Journal. 207 (10): p471-475. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.1009.
- [2] Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Dikshit, R., Eser, S., Mathers, C., Rebelo, M., Parkin, D. M., Forman, D., & Bray, F. (2015). Cancer incidence and mortality worldwide: sources, methods and major patterns in GLOBOCAN 2012. International Journal of Cancer. 136 (5): p359-386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.29210.
- [3] Moore, S. R., Johnson, N. W., Pierce, A. M., & Wilson, D. F. (2008). The epidemiology of mouth cancer: a review of global incidence. Oral Diseases. 6 (2): p65-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2000.tb00104.x.
- [4] NHS. (2019). Mouth Cancer. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-cancer/. Last accessed: 28th January 2022.
- [5] Whitehead, H. (2022). Oral health: ‘Warning signs’ in your mouth you should not ignore – cancer symptoms. Available: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1556150/cancer-mouth-oral-health-signs-mouth-ulcers-lumps. Last accessed: 28th January 2022.
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