Coseley dental clinic

Raising awareness about Mouth Cancer Action Month is essential to improving understanding and early detection of this serious disease. Organised by the Oral Health Foundation, the campaign focuses on educating people about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with mouth cancer, a condition that continues to rise at an alarming rate across the UK.

Recent figures show that more than 10,000 new cases of mouth cancer were diagnosed last year. This represents a 38% increase over the past decade and a 133% rise in the last 20 years. Sadly, 3,637 people in the UK lost their lives to the disease. These statistics highlight why awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis are so important.

Understanding the Causes and Risks

Experts do not yet know exactly what causes most mouth cancers, but research indicates that around 90% are linked to lifestyle factors. Smoking remains the leading cause, increasing the risk by up to ten times compared with non-smokers. Drinking alcohol to excess contributes to nearly one-third of cases. When smoking and drinking are combined, the risk multiplies further.

Other contributing factors may include poor diet, HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, and neglecting oral hygiene. These findings underline how small, positive lifestyle changes can play a major role in reducing the likelihood of developing mouth cancer.

Recognising the Warning Signs

Early detection greatly improves survival rates, yet public awareness of the symptoms remains low. The most common early warning signs include:

✅ Mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
✅ Red or white patches inside the mouth
✅ Lumps, swelling, or thickened tissue in the mouth or neck

A simple visual check at home or during a routine dental visit can be life-saving. If anything unusual appears, however minor, it should always be assessed by a dental professional. Regular examinations are key to identifying potential issues before they progress.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Routine appointments with a dentist are about more than just maintaining a bright smile. Dentists are trained to spot subtle changes in the mouth that may not cause pain or be visible to patients. Detecting these early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

If it has been more than 12 months since your last dental visit, it is important to schedule a check-up. As a trusted dentist in Bilston, Roseville Dental encourages patients to maintain consistent dental care. Through regular examinations and preventive dentistry, potential problems, including early signs of oral cancer, can be identified and addressed promptly.

The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-being

Good oral hygiene is vital not only for preventing decay but also for supporting general health. Neglecting oral care can lead to conditions such as gum inflammation or infection, which can progress through different stages of gum disease. Severe gum disease can weaken the immune system and increase vulnerability to other health conditions.

Maintaining healthy gums and teeth through proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings helps strengthen the body’s defences and supports long-term wellbeing.

Why Awareness Matters

Despite the growing number of cases, awareness of mouth cancer remains low. Only a small proportion of the public can identify the main risk factors or symptoms. Campaigns like Mouth Cancer Action Month play an important role in changing that. It encourages individuals to take simple, proactive steps, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, improving diet, and visiting their dentist regularly.

Each of these actions can have a powerful impact on preventing disease and promoting early detection. The more informed people are, the greater the chance of catching potential problems at a treatable stage.

Taking Simple but Meaningful Steps

Early detection saves lives. Mouth cancer can appear in many areas, including the tongue, gums, and tonsils. The smaller the affected area when diagnosed, the better the outcome is likely to be. Everyone can help by staying alert to any unusual changes in their mouth and by maintaining regular dental visits.

By understanding the causes of mouth cancers, recognising the early warning signs, and practising preventive dentistry, we can all contribute to reducing risks and improving survival rates.

Mouth Cancer Action Month serves as a vital reminder of how awareness and early intervention can protect lives. At Roseville Dental, we support this message wholeheartedly, encouraging everyone to stay informed, make healthy lifestyle choices, and never ignore changes in their oral health.