Mouth Cancer Screening

Mouth cancer can be completely cured if detected early. That is why frequent screenings are critical.

What is a mouth cancer screening, and what does it involve?

Every time you come in for a check-up, our devoted team will perform an oral cancer screening. It would help if you got a screening every 6-12 months, ideally.

If you see your dentist regularly, you’ve most likely already had a cancer screening without even realising it. Your dentist will examine your mouth thoroughly to look for early indications of oral cancer.

We will ask you for information about your lifestyle and general health to determine the chance of irregular cell reproduction. Furthermore, we can assist you in making simple adjustments that can lower your chance of developing oral cancer.

How do you detect oral cancer?

In the early stages of the illness, you may detect lumps or patches (red/white/speckled) on the inside of your mouth, tongue, lips, or gums. Persistent sores or ulcers in your mouth or on your lips, as well as loose teeth, may also suggest an underlying issue.

You may suffer soreness or discomfort in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, lesions within the mouth, earache, numbness, and changes in your speech as your oral cancer progresses.

If your dentist notices anything out of the ordinary, they will discuss it with you and schedule a review visit to evaluate progress or refer you to a specialist.

What causes mouth cancer?

Tobacco and alcohol are the major causes of oral cancer in the United Kingdom. Tobacco and alcohol include carcinogens, which are chemicals capable of causing cancer by destroying DNA in cells. You are more likely to get mouth cancer if you consume alcohol or smoke. Combining smoking and drinking raises your risk even more.

Other factors include:

• Chewing tobacco or other smokeless tobacco products
• Betel nut chewing with or without tobacco
• Poor diet
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)