Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 2023 represents Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Oral cancer is in the top seven most common cancers in the world. The signs and symptoms of oral cancer can present itself in many ways, some can even be quite alike to common complaints that are not so serious.

Educating ourselves and our patients is the best possible way to early prevention of cancer. Early intervention and early diagnosis are crucial.

Common signs and symptoms:

Signs and symptoms can present in different ways from a constant sore throat to what can look like an ulcer that changes in shape/color or is persistent, if you are very concerned about your oral health, you should always book a dental appointment so a dentist can have a look at the issue.

Other signs or symptoms for oral, neck and mouth can be but not limited to:

• Sores in the mouth that are not healing
• Hoarseness/persistent sore throat
• Red patches
• White patches
• Growth/lump in the area
• Ulcers

Oral cancer month came about to try and educate patients so that when they suspect something is not quite right, they would know to get checked by a dentist. It is all about raising awareness and that is the main reason in which there are success stories, Id early prevention has been achieved a patients chance of successful treatment is more likely.

There are different factors that can contribute to your chances of oral cancer. They include but not limited to Tabacco, alcohol and age.

Six monthly check ups with your dentist are the best way to keep up to date with your oral health. Your dentist will check all your teeth and the surrounding areas including gums, soft tissue etc. By having a check up every six months, we can see fi there are any changes in your mouth that might need further investigation and we can refer if necessary to the appropriate doctors. If you are ever concerned about your oral health, we would always urge patients to get it checked as opposed to waiting.