What are the symptoms?
Mouth cancer can have many different symptoms including:
- A mouth ulcer that doesn't heal within three weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth or throat
- Unusual lumps or swellings
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Teeth that become loose for no obvious reason
- Bleeding or numbness within the mouth
- Changes in the voice
Can mouth cancer be cured?
If the symptoms of mouth cancer are caught and treated early, the chances of successful treatment good. This is why it’s especially important to visit a dentist regularly, so that they can spot any of the early signs before it’s too late.
What can I do to prevent mouth cancer?
There are many steps you can take to keep your mouth and body healthy, and in return, reduce the risk of mouth cancer:
- Take good care of your teeth and gums every day, and follow the advice your dental team give you.
- Attend regular appointments and let your dental team know about any changes in your mouth.
- Cutting down on smoking and drinking, or giving them up completely will substantially lower your risk of mouth cancer.
- If you know you’re going to be out in the sun, make sure to wear a high factor sun cream and use a sun-protecting balm on your lips.
- A diet rich in Vitamins A, C and E can also provide protection against the risk of mouth cancer, along with plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Lifestyle choices such as multiple sexual partners may increase your risk of being exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV), which has been linked to mouth cancer.
*Oral Health Foundation 2019