Mouth Cancer Awareness Day: your questions answered
On Mouth Cancer Awareness Day and in the first of a series of Q&As, our group clinical advisor, Dr Paul O’Dwyer, answers some common queries about the risk factors and symptoms of mouth cancer.
How common is mouth cancer in Ireland?
There are over 700 cases of mouth, head and neck cancer reported in Ireland every year and that is why Mouth Cancer Awareness Day is so important.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
Some signs and symptoms of mouth cancer include ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, a lump or other unusual change in the mouth or neck, difficulty swallowing or chewing, persistent sore throat or hoarseness, and unexplained loose teeth.
Who is most at risk?
Mouth cancer is more common in men and older people. However, the number of women and younger people being diagnosed is rising. There are a number of risk factors for mouth cancer:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Using both tobacco and alcohol together
- Excessive exposure to sunlight or radiation
- A diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
- Viral infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV)
Can my dentist detect mouth cancer?
Your dentist will examine your mouth for any changes, which may include mouth cancer, as part of your routine dental check-up. It is important to visit your general dentist regularly even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
What does a mouth cancer examination involve?
A mouth cancer exam is painless and quick. As part of your routine check-up, your dentist will examine both inside and outside your face, neck, lips and mouth to check for any possible signs of cancer.
How can I help to prevent mouth cancer?
Early detection of mouth cancer greatly improves the treatment outcome and chances of survival.
- Visit your dentist regularly, even if you wear dentures
- Look out for any changes in your mouth or neck
- Use a barrier cream on lips during sun exposure
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Do not smoke
- Avoid alcohol
For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie.
Oral Cancer – Lowering risk
Oral Cancer
Lowering your risk
Oral cancer is the 8th most common cancer worldwide and affects the lips, tongue and mouth. It is no longer a disease confined to heavy smokers and drinkers, and is something that should be examined for at all ages. In the early stages, oral cancer can go unnoticed. Unfortunately, most cases of this cancer are found in the late stage when treatment is extremely difficult and invasive. Oral cancer screening is one of the many reasons why a regular dental check-up is so important. At every check-up, your dentist will examine your entire mouth for early signs of oral cancer.
Visit mouthcancerawareness.ie for more information.
Early detection of oral cancer could save your life. Examine your mouth on a regular basis for changes that last more than two weeks. Things to look out for are non-healing ulcers, extremely dry patches, changes in colour or texture, unexplainable lumps, or difficultly swallowing. If you are concerned about any changes in your mouth, do not hesitate to visit your dentist. Your dentist may recommend that you have a small biopsy taken of the area concerned. This is a simple straightforward procedure.
How can I lower my risk?
- Visit your dentist at least once a year for a full check-up, even if you wear full dentures
- Lower your consumption of alcohol
- Try to quit smoking
- Wear sun factor on your face and lips EVERY time you will be outside for extended lengths of time (e.g. playing sports, farming, sailing, fishing etc)
- Eat a nutritious diet full of fruit and vegetables
- Protect yourself from viral infections such as human papilloma virus (HPV) which is spread via oral sex
Five top tips for looking after your teeth
Looking after your teeth and keeping your mouth fresh and healthy is easy – follow our top tips to get the sparkle back in your smile!
Scrub up
We all know we should brush our teeth. But do you know when and for how long? Brushing straight after food will lead to tooth wear, so brush before eating in the morning and last thing before bed. Use a medium bristle brush for 2 mins for best results. Electric toothbrushes are a great option for patients with stains or who find it hard to use a manual brush.
Spit don’t rinse!
After you brush, spit out the toothpaste from your mouth – but don’t rinse it! Allow time for the active ingredients in your paste to work their magic on the surfaces of your teeth.
What lies beneath
Remember the last time you cleaned the dark corners of your fridge or cooker? Brushing only cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, and doesn’t reach the plaque that gets caught in the nooks and crannies around your mouth. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth every night using interdental brushes or floss.
Keep in check
Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist are a critical part of your oral health. At your dental checkup you will be screened for dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer. Your hygienist will help you keep gum disease at bay and can reach areas under the gum that you can’t at home.
Eat for your teeth
Frequency of sugary and acidic foods leads to decay and tooth wear. Limit acid attacks to three per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). If you need a treat, have it as part of your meal, rather than a snack. Looking after your teeth means choosing low-sugar low-acid foods such as raw vegetables, nuts and cheese if you need a snack on the go. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth healthy and ward off bad breath.
