When it comes to spotting issues with your oral health, you can probably quickly identify when you have a cavity forming or if you have a loose filling.

But what about more serious oral problems?

While it is surprisingly rare, (with fewer than 20,000 cases in the UK per year), it is still worth being aware of the signs of oral cancer. A key way to identify oral cancer, of course, is to visit our dental team a least every 6 months for a check-up, as this is part of our screening.

But what should you look for in the interim period?

At Hilton Dental Clinic, our dentist in Nottingham will be able to advise you on how to keep your oral health in good condition during those 6-month gaps and will be able to guide you on how to spot oral cancer. Such measures are especially important if you have a family history of oral cancer or are a smoker. Either way, our team is eager to help prevent cancers of the mouth and keep you and your family safe.

Back to the original question at hand- how can you identify oral cancer in your own home? Our dentist in Nottingham provides a rough guide below.

Mouth sores

Common during times of stress or poor health, many people have had a mouth sore either in their inner cheek, gums or inner lips. Looking like either a white or red blister, these can be uncomfortable but usually resolve on their own.

However, if you experience clusters of white mouth ulcers in the same part of the mouth over and over again, or notice that an ulcer or sore is growing quickly, come and see our dentist in Nottingham for a check-up.

Lumps

Again, like the mouth sores, many people have had an odd lump or 2 appear in their mouths, usually due to over-enthusiastic brushing or a trauma.

But if you notice a lump or growth forming anywhere in your mouth, it is worth having it investigated by our team at Hilton Dental Clinic.

Oral pain

Does your jaw ache? Is there a part of your mouth that hurts when pressure is applied to it?

While these can be symptoms of rather benign conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder or rough brushing, if they do not resolve within 5 days of you noticing them, you need to see our team for a check-up.

Teeth or jaw changes

OK, so this is a bit harder to overlook and is a surefire sign that you need an urgent check-up.

If your teeth do not fit together as they once did, or you notice a difference in your jaws alignment, or your dentures no longer fit correctly, this needs exploring by our team.

Similarly, if you notice your teeth are suddenly loose or sore when pressure is applied to them, you will need to visit us.

Caught early enough, oral cancer has a high survival rate, so don’t delay your appointments!