Mouth Cancer - Don’t Miss the Warning Signs

When it comes to looking after your health, most people know to pay attention to things like blood pressure and cholesterol—but what about your mouth? Oral cancer is more common than many realise, and early detection makes a big difference. Here’s what everyone should know to keep their mouth healthy and better understand the risks.

What’s Happening?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. While anyone can develop it, certain lifestyle factors—like smoking and alcohol use—can increase your risk. Early signs can be subtle, which is why regular dental checks are so important.

What Are the Key Risk Factors?

●      Smoking and Tobacco Use: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco all significantly raise your risk***.

●      Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking, especially in combination with tobacco, multiplies the danger.

●      Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common as people get older, and men are at slightly higher risk—but it can affect anyone.

●      Sun Exposure: Spending lots of time outdoors without lip protection increases the risk for cancer of the lips.

●      HPV Infection: Some strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to throat and mouth cancers.

●      Poor Oral Hygiene or Ill-Fitting Dentures: Chronic irritation can also contribute to risk.

What Are the Warning Signs?

●      Sores or Ulcers: Persistent sores in your mouth or on your lips that don’t heal after two weeks.

●      Lumps or Thickening: Any lumps, bumps, or rough spots in your mouth, throat, or neck.

●      Red or White Patches: Unusual discoloured patches inside your mouth.

●      Pain or Difficulty Swallowing: Any trouble swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw.

●      Numbness: Unexplained numbness or loss of feeling in your mouth or lips.

● Hoarseness or Sore Throat: A chronic sore throat or a change in your voice that won’t go away.

The Important Role of Your Dentist

Your dentist is not only focused on your teeth—they’re trained to check for early signs of oral cancer at every check-up. During a regular dental visit, your dentist will examine your entire mouth, including your gums, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat, looking for any unusual changes or early warning signs that you might not notice yourself.

This is another reason why regular, six-monthly dental checkups are so important. Oral cancer is often painless in the early stages, and the sooner it’s found, the better the chances for successful treatment. At Kingston Beach Dental, we take the time to educate our patients about their individual risk factors and work with them to find practical ways to lower those risks, including support to quit smoking and tips to improve oral hygiene.

The Bottom Line

No matter your age or background, it’s important to know your risk factors and stay alert for any unusual changes in your mouth. But you don’t have to do it alone - your dentist is your partner in both detection and prevention.

Don’t ignore the signs, and don’t skip your check-ups. Early detection really can save lives. If you have any concerns, or it’s been a while since your last visit, book an appointment with us today.

*** Call Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 7848) or use the My QuitBuddy app for free counselling, strategies to manage cravings, and personalised quitting plans. (Department of Health)