While we’re quick to check our skin for new moles or keep an eye on our lung health, we often forget that our mouth, tongue, and throat need that same attention. Oral cancer (also known as mouth cancer) is more common than many people realise. Globally, there are around 377,000 new cases every year and approximately 177,000 deaths.
The biggest issue with oral cancer is how quiet it can be at the start. It’s rarely noticeable in the early stages, but that’s when catching it matters most.
When we spot it early, treatment is less invasive and the success rates are incredibly high, so a little bit of vigilance can make a life-saving difference. Below, we’ll share what oral cancer is, how to spot the symptoms, and how to keep your mouth healthy.
What is oral cancer?
This is a condition where cancer cells grow uncontrollably in the mouth or the back of the throat. It’s part of a group known as head and neck cancers, and it can appear as a growth or sore on the sides of your tongue, the roof of your mouth, your gums, or even your lips that lasts more than two weeks.
What makes oral cancer tricky is that it often starts as something that looks completely harmless, like a tiny ulcer that looks like a regular canker sore. The difference is that a normal sore usually heals within a week or two, while signs of oral cancer linger, getting worse instead of better.
Oral cancer can develop for a number of reasons. While smoking and heavy alcohol use are well-known risk factors, infection with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) has also been linked to cancers of the mouth and throat. HPV is very common, and most people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives.
Symptoms of oral cancer
The early symptoms of oral cancer are easy to ignore. Most people assume they’re caused by stress, cheek biting, a hot drink, or a small infection, and carry on as normal.
But it’s important to be aware of the common symptoms of this disease so you can listen to what your body is telling you and act fast if something’s off.
- A sore in the mouth (that doesn’t get better): This might look like a regular mouth ulcer at first, but instead of clearing up within a week or two, it lingers or slowly gets worse.
- Red or white patches inside the mouth: These can appear on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, or inside the cheeks.
- A lump, thickened area, or rough patch: You might notice a small bump, swelling, or an area that feels different when you run your tongue over it.
- Ongoing mouth, jaw, or ear pain: This can feel like a dull ache or discomfort that has no clear cause.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw: Some people notice that eating feels uncomfortable or that their jaw feels stiff or sore.
- A feeling that something is stuck in your throat: This sensation can come and go, but if it sticks around, it’s worth checking.
- Numbness in the tongue, lips, or mouth: This might feel like lingering tingling or a loss of sensation in certain areas.
- Changes in how your teeth fit together: You might notice your bite feels different, or that dentures no longer fit quite right.
These symptoms won’t always mean something serious, and they’re often caused by everyday issues. But if you’re not sure, it’s always better to get it checked.
How to prevent oral cancer
We can’t control everything when it comes to our health, but there are plenty of small, everyday habits that can lower the risk of oral cancer or aid early detection.
Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. If you smoke, quitting (or even cutting back) will lower your risk of the disease.
Limit alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol in large amounts also increases your risk of developing oral cancer, especially when tobacco and alcohol use are combined. Cutting back where you can is a positive step for your oral (and overall) health.
Protect your lips from the sun
Your lips are skin, too, and just like the rest of your body, they can be damaged by UV rays. Using a lip balm with SPF can help protect this delicate area from frequent sun exposure that could lead to lip cancer.
Look after your mouth day to day
Brushing and flossing regularly is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but it also helps you become familiar with what your mouth normally looks and feels like. That way, you’re more likely to notice changes like new sores, patches, or lumps.
Support your body with healthy foods
What you eat plays a role in how well your body can protect and repair itself. Aiming for a balanced diet with a mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole foods will support your overall health, including your oral health.
Book a checkup with the dentist
Most people think of the dentist as being all about cavities and cleaning, but they’re also your first line of defense against oral cancer. They’re looking for the things you can’t feel yet and can even carry out an oral cancer exam to address any concerns. By the time something hurts, it’s often been there a while.
Get an oral cancer screening at Love-Teeth
Every routine checkup at Love Teeth includes a thorough look at your tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. These checks are quick, totally painless, and just a normal part of your visit. For most of our patients, an oral cancer examination is just another day at the dentist.
If we do spot something that needs a closer look, there’s no need to panic. We’ll talk you through what we’ve found and make a plan to treat oral cancer if necessary.
Whether it’s been a while since your last visit, or you’ve noticed something that’s been worrying you, we’re here to help you prioritise your oral health.