November is Mouth Cancer Action Month

But why do we need to be more #MouthAware?

These are shocking stats, and just like we check our boobs and balls, we must be vigilant in checking our mouths too.

*Early detection of mouth cancer is crucial, and it could just save your life if found in time.*

But how do we check for oral cancer?

By spotting mouth cancer early, we have a much better chance of beating it.

The more often you do this, the more it will allow you to notice any changes from the ‘norm’ and identify whether something is out of the ordinary.
It only takes a couple of minutes and it’s worth it if it could save your life!

DIY Home Check

The aim is to touch and feel around the whole facial area, in and around the mouth and even the jaw and neck. You are specifically looking and feeling for anything unusual such as; lumps, bumps, red / white spots or areas, changes in colour or textures and ulcers that won’t heal.

Start a routine where you check each area, step by step, so you don’t forget one. You can copy the order below or mix it up to something that works better for you. Either way, please don’t miss an area or not check thoroughly enough.

DIY mouth cancer check – Steps

• Face – Look at your face as a whole. Are there any lumps or swelling at all? Turn your head to the left and right so your skin tightens, and you are able to see a little more. Are there any unexplained changes in your skin like moles changing colour, itching, bleeding?
• Neck – Have a good feel over your whole jawline and your neck. Touch and compare each side and look for any differences / swellings etc.
• Cheeks – You want to check these thoroughly inside & out. Use your finger to pull out each cheek at a time, looking for any red / white patches, ulcers, lumps. You can also use your fingers and tongue to feel around and check for tenderness.
• Lips – Use your fingers to feel and pull your lips up / down and out, searching for any changes of colour or texture, or ulcers.
• Gums – using your fingers and tongue, feel the upper and lower gums, in front and behind for anything out of the ordinary.
• Tongue – Stick your tongue out and check each side, the top and underneath for ulcers, sores and lumps.
• Roof / Floor of mouth – tilt your head backwards and check the roof of your mouth for any changes in colour or texture. Tilt head forwards, lift your tongue and check the floor of your mouth too.

But don’t panic!

As Dentists we fully support this action month and we shall be joining the awareness campaign too, posting important mouth cancer advice and important things to know, for the rest of the month on our socials.

Whilst we invite you to follow us to see this content, we also wish to invite all our patients/followers to ask any questions, share any concerns, or indeed pop in for an oral screening.

You can call us on; 0207 272 6818 or email: reception@archwaydentalgroup.co.uk

Together, we will fight cancer!