Did you know that rates of oral cancer have increased by around a third in the UK in the last ten years? At Harley Street Dental Studio, we’re committed to doing everything possible to prevent mouth cancer, and this is why we recommend 6-monthly checks and routine screening sessions. You may think it’s a little extreme to say that a dental check could protect you from cancer, but it really can. If it’s been a while since you paid your dentist a visit, why not call and book an appointment today?

How a dental check-up could protect you from cancer

When you have a dental check-up, your dentist carries out a series of routine checks to look for signs of a range of dental health issues, including decay, gum disease and mouth cancer. Dentists are trained to spot early warning signs, which may be detectable before you notice other symptoms. With oral cancer, the sooner symptoms are detected, the higher the chance of survival. In the UK, survival rates have stalled when other forms of cancer have come on in leaps and bounds with regard to treatment success rates. This is largely because most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment is less likely to provide a cure.

What are the symptoms I should be looking out for?

As well as attending routine dental checks, it’s also hugely beneficial to be aware of the symptoms of mouth cancer and to look out for changes in your mouth. If you do notice anything different, don’t hesitate to get in touch. It’s very unlikely that symptoms will be indicative of mouth cancer, but it’s always best to get checked out. Signs of oral cancer include:

• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Abnormal lumps or swelling
• Persistent coughing
• Unexplained oral pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Slow-healing mouth ulcers or sores

If you’d like to find out more about mouth cancer, or you’re keen to arrange a check-up, why not give us a call today?