Mouth Cancer Awareness Month

Understanding Mouth Cancer: A Guide to Awareness and Prevention

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, an important time for raising awareness about mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer. At Larkham House , we are committed to supporting this cause and helping our community understand the risks, symptoms, and ways to protect against mouth cancer. In partnership with the Mouth Cancer Foundation, we are sharing valuable insights to help you stay informed and proactive about oral health.

What is Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, gums, and tonsils. Although it can affect anyone, risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to the HPV virus, and poor oral hygiene significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease. It is a serious but often overlooked health concern, with around 8,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK alone.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early detection is crucial for mouth cancer, as it significantly increases treatment success rates. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

Persistent mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal within three weeks
Unusual lumps or swelling in the mouth, neck, or head area
Red or white patches inside the mouth
Numbness or pain in the mouth or tongue
Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something caught in the throat

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to contact your healthcare provider or dentist as soon as possible.

Why Early Detection Matters

Mouth cancer can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages, as symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions. By the time most cases are diagnosed, cancer may already have spread, making treatment more complex. This highlights the importance of regular dental check-ups, as dentists are trained to spot potential signs of mouth cancer early on. Early diagnosis is key to improving survival rates, and routine dental exams offer the best opportunity to catch it before it progresses.

Preventive Tips for Reducing Your Risk

Avoid Tobacco: Both smoking and chewing tobacco are leading causes of mouth cancer, contributing to over half of the cases diagnosed. Quitting tobacco is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol in excess can increase your risk of mouth cancer. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels and avoid binge drinking for better overall health.
Protect Against HPV: HPV is a significant cause of mouth cancer, especially in younger people. Consider the HPV vaccine and stay informed about safe practices.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, can support your immune system and help protect against various cancers, including mouth cancer.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Dentists play an essential role in early mouth cancer detection. Aim to visit your dentist every six months, even if you feel healthy.
Check Your Mouth: Self-examinations are another effective way to catch early signs of mouth cancer. Once a month, take a few minutes to check for any unusual lumps, discolorations, or sores in your mouth. If you notice anything abnormal, reach out to a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

How Abbey Mead Supports Mouth Cancer Awareness

At Larkham House Dental Practice, we understand that preventive care and early detection are critical in the fight against mouth cancer. Throughout Mouth Cancer Action Month, we’re working to raise awareness and offer educational resources to our patients and community members. Our team is committed to supporting you with regular dental exams, consultations, and information on maintaining good oral health.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against mouth cancer. Join us this November in recognizing Mouth Cancer Action Month, and let’s help protect our loved ones by spreading awareness, understanding the symptoms, and prioritizing prevention.

For more information about mouth cancer, visit the Mouth Cancer Foundation.

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What do they say about Larkham House?

“Absolute amazing service from the staff at Larkham dental practice. Jo and Rachel were fantastic. While having two wisdom teeth removed, one side was very traumatic and very painful. Jo and Rachel were extremely...”

Lee

“I visited the dentist at Larkham House, and I cannot recommend it highly enough .My usual dentist was off so I had a lovely lady she put me at ease as soon as I...”

Jackie

“I used to be so very very nervous about going to the dentist now since I've been going to larkham house all my anxiety and worries have completely been forgotten. All the reception staff...”

Alan

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting the dentist at Larkham House, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and professionalism. The staff...”

Rohan

“Great service these last few days. I dropped my denture on the bathroom floor and it broke in half. Panic stations until I rang reception who said to bring it in the following day...”

Dennis

“Lovely staff, very clean, thank you all booked for next appointment would recommend!”

Jess

“Great practice, I've been going here for years and have never had a bad experience. All the staff are so lovely and make me feel comfortable. So happy with my recent treatment my dentist...”

Megan

Laura Johnson

19:36 24 Oct 22

Very friendly staff! I suffer with anxiety and every time I have an appointment the dentist is very patient and goes through everything to make sure I am OK and not too nervous. The dentist nurses, particularly Rachel is amazing! Especially with my children when they come in makes me feel at ease!

Teresa Floyd

08:16 21 Aug 22

Had a referral from Seven Trees as I had severe dental painI am a very nervous patient however the service I received was outstanding from the minute I arrived to the minute I left and no more tooth painThank you so much

Christine Boyle

20:10 07 Apr 22

Had an appointment with Clohe yesterday and I can't praise her enough. So thorough and nothing was too much trouble for her. She was very caring and cosiderat e I felt relaxed and nothing was too much of a problem for her too deal with. My appointment was not rushed .

Adam Davie

19:59 10 Oct 21

From the offset call confirming my appointment this dental practice experience was five star compared to dentist based Midlands . Front desk staff / nurses excellent giving me the reassurance that I was booked in with a great dentist as I personally have a fear of the dentist being in my late 30s . After my review etc with the dentist it was forgone conclusion that a full on extraction was required the dentist himself was unbelievable reassuring excellent service total professionalism which I haven’t come across recently, great team whom care about the patient journey I most certainly didn’t just feel like a number under their care . Thank you to all staff at Larkham House Dental Practice.

Anthony Grave

20:07 12 May 21

Very good

brian rogers

16:08 18 Mar 21

On the 18/3/21 I had 2 extractions From the outset the staff were very friendly helpful and very professional the Dentist was brilliant I never felt hardly any of the extractions I will definitely use a again excellent service thank you...

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