Mouth cancer rates are on the rise, and lack of access to dentists is exacerbating the problem. According to BBC News, the inability to spot and treat mouth cancers in their early stages is costing lives, as startling statistics reveal that 9,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with this health issue every year. The death rate linked to the disease is up 46% from a decade ago, according to the Oral Health Foundation, shedding light on the urgent need to detect and treat this growing problem. Discovering mouth cancer symptoms early can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment, but if you’re unable to see a dentist for a check-up, it’s essential to know how to check for this disease yourself, so stay informed and take charge of your health with our self-examination guide.
Regular check-ups for early detection of oral cancer
Regular dental check-ups and oral hygiene visits are crucial for maintaining good oral health and detecting any issues, and as such they play a hugely significant role in the early detection of mouth cancer. According to recent statistics from Cancer Research UK, half of all cancer diagnoses of the mouth in the UK are detected late, despite the NHS treating more individuals for cancer at an earlier stage than ever before, and cancer of the mouth is no exception.
When detected early, this particular form of cancer is treated with a relatively simple and minimally invasive process and has an excellent cure and survivability rate, as over 90% of cases are cured. However, despite these reassuring statistics, half of all new diagnoses in the UK are, on average, detected late, which can have devastating consequences and severely affect the chances of treatment being successful. Limited access to dentists not only delays the diagnosis, but also impacts the effectiveness of treatment and the overall prognosis, so early detection is an essential priority for dental practices and patients across the country.
There are several reasons why people may face challenges in accessing dental care. For some, it may be due to geographical barriers, where there are fewer dental practices or long waiting times for appointments, particularly for new patients. An investigation conducted by the BBC in 2022 highlighted this issue, as it revealed that 90% of all dental practices did not have the resources or ability to accept new adult patients last year. The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the NHS and the knock-on effect on dental practices means that it is becoming increasingly hard to find an NHS dentist that has the capacity to accept new patients, whilst many potential patients may struggle with financial barriers to dental treatment and care, as specialist treatments can be very expensive. Finally, some individuals may have dental anxiety or an extreme fear of treatments, which prevents them from seeking regular dental attention and potentially missing the opportunity for an early diagnosis.
Step-by-step guide to self-examination
When you visit your dentist, they have the expertise to identify any changes in your dental health or abnormalities. If a dentist suspects that you may be developing cancerous growths in your mouth, then they will have the specialist knowledge and equipment needed to perform a thorough examination of your mouth, including checking for any unusual lumps, sores, or changes in the colour or texture of your oral tissues. Once diagnosed, they can then arrange the necessary treatment and restore your health without any complications.
If you’re unable to see a dentist for a check-up, it’s important that you know how to spot the symptoms of oral cancer and take control of your own dental health. By knowing what to look for and regularly monitoring your oral wellbeing, you can take proactive measures in detecting abnormalities and seek the emergency dental care that you need, so let’s explore our step-by-step guide to checking your mouth for signs of cancer.
- Check for any unusual lumps or swellings – Gently feel your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue for any lumps or swellings. If you identify any areas that feel hard or swollen, then pay close attention to them over the following few weeks and if they have not gone away after three weeks, seek emergency dental assistance.
- Look for any changes in the colour or texture of your oral tissues – Examine your mouth for any new white or red patches, as well as any areas that appear rough or velvety, as these changes can be early signs of cancer.
- Take note of any persistent sores or ulcers – Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal within three weeks should be monitored closely. If you notice any changes in size, shape, or colour, it’s essential to seek dental attention.
- Inspect your throat and neck area – Gently feel your neck and throat for any swollen lymph nodes or masses, as enlarged lymph nodes can be indicative of underlying issues such as cancer.
- Numbness – Any persistent numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth should be taken seriously as a potential symptom, as well as any sore throat that lasts for longer than six weeks.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, seek prompt dental attention for an early diagnosis that will significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Preventative measures and lifestyle changes
While regular self-examinations are essential, it’s also important to adopt preventive measures and make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing cancer, particularly if you have a family history with the disease or are considered at risk. Prevention is always better than cure, so here are some easy-to-implement steps you can take to protect your health and limit the risk of cancer:
- Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products – Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of multiple types of cancer, including mouth and throat. Quitting smoking and avoiding other tobacco products may be a challenging lifestyle change to implement, but it will significantly reduce your chances of developing dental issues and improve your overall physical wellbeing.
- Limit alcohol consumption – Excessive alcohol consumption is another major risk factor for developing cancer of the mouth, and limiting your alcohol intake can help reduce your chances of developing the disease.
- Practise good oral hygiene – Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for protecting and improving your overall mouth health and keeping diseases at bay. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to remove bacteria and maintain a healthy mouth.
- Eat a healthy diet – A well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing mouth diseases.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your lifestyle, you can significantly reduce your risk level and improve your overall dental health, but they are not a substitute for regular, professional dental care. Attending regular dental appointments should always be at the top of your priorities’ list for maintaining a healthy mouth and detecting any dental illnesses, so if you are continually struggling to find a dental practice that will accept you as a new patient, it may be time to go private.
Taking oral health into your own hands in 2024
If you’re unable to access a dentist for a check-up, it’s important to know how to monitor your own mouth for potential signs of cancer with our step-by-step guide. However, if you are finding it difficult to find an NHS dentist to check your symptoms and diagnose your concerns, then don’t let this impact your health. It is time to put your health first and attend a private dental practice.
Dentalia, trusted dentists in Basingstoke, offers comprehensive dental treatment and can provide the necessary expertise in detecting and treating mouth cancer, so prioritise your oral wellbeing today and schedule an appointment with Dentalia.