Mouth Cancer Awareness Month: Top 3 Signs and Symptoms to Look For

Nov 14, 2022 Oral Health

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign aims to promote awareness of mouth cancer. When you know what to look for, you are better able to know when to ask for help.

You can find out more about the campaign through the Mouth Cancer Foundation or use the #MouthCancerActionMonth hashtag online.  

We are sharing information about mouth cancer signs and symptoms to help you know what to look for so you can get checked out early.

 

When To Get Checked Out

 

If you have any concerns about your oral health you should get checked out as soon as possible. This is especially important if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.

1. If you have a mouth ulcer that doesn't heal after 3 week
2. If you’ve spotted red and white patches in the mouth
3. If you have noticed lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area

 

It pays to be cautious when it comes to mouth cancer so get in touch with your dentist or GP as soon as possible. They will be able to check you out properly and refer you for tests if appropriate.

 

Prioritise Good Oral Health Routines

 

According to the BDA (British Dental Association), “dentists and their teams have a vital role to play in ensuring oral cancers are detected early”.

Keeping up with your regular dental check-ups and visiting your dentist if you have any concerns is a good way to spot oral cancer early.

 

Have a Good Routine at Home

 

Not only is a good dental routine essential for healthy teeth and gums. It also serves as a daily check-in with what’s going on with your mouth. Take the time regularly to check out your mouth when brushing, flossing, rinsing and so on.  

Speak to your dentist about what toothpaste they recommend and consider having pastilles for mouth ulcers and other oral health remedies in stock for you are likely to need them.  

It is also important to consider your lifestyle when it comes to reducing the risk of mouth cancer. Smoking is a big risk factor. If you are ready to quit smoking this blog post on how to quit smoking might help.

 

Products That Promote Good Oral Health

 

It’s important to choose the right products to help promote good oral health. This includes toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and more. Here at SimplyMeds Online, we also offer several oral care products that are a little more specialised.

Oralieve products, such as their moisturising mouth gel, toothpaste or spray can be particularly useful for those who suffer from dry mouth.

Similar products include Salivix Pastilles which slowly dissolves, giving good and longer-lasting relief from dry mouth. These pastilles also contain fluoride which is helpful in the fight against tooth decay. Other products for dry mouth and other similar issues include Glandosane, a synthetic saliva and Salivix spray. 

All of these oral health products may be helpful to you if you are struggling with the after-effects of mouth cancer treatment or have problems with your salivary glands.

 

Mouth Cancer - Early Detection is Crucial 

 

When it comes to mouth cancer early detection is essential so it pays to be vigilant. Keep on top of your regular at-home oral hygiene routine, see your dentist regularly and contact your GP or dentist ASAP if you have any of the signs or symptoms of oral cancer.  

Remember to look out for red and white patches in the mouth, lumps or swellings in the mouth, neck or head and take note of any mouth ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks. 

The more we know about things like mouth cancer, the better armed we are and the more likely we are to spot the signs early and get help. This is why awareness days, as well as raising much-needed funds for research and support, are very important. You can find out more about mouth cancer action here.