At East Park Dental, your trusted dental practice in Northampton, we are proud to support this initiative by promoting early detection, encouraging preventive dentistry, and helping our community stay informed and protected.
Mouth cancer is one of the fastest-growing types of cancer in the UK. Over 10,800 people were diagnosed last year, marking a 38% increase in the past decade. Even more concerning is the rise in mortality rates, 3,637 people in the UK sadly lost their lives to mouth cancer last year. The ten-year survival rate currently ranges between 18% and 57%, depending on where the cancer appears and how early it is diagnosed. These figures highlight just how vital awareness and early detection are.
The good news is that many causes of mouth cancers are linked to lifestyle habits, which means prevention is within our reach. Yet, awareness remains low, with fewer than one in ten people recognising the major risk factors.
This year, Mouth Cancer Action Month holds special significance for our team. One of our long-standing patients was recently diagnosed with oral cancer after being referred for further assessment by our principal dentist, Dr Joanna Stock. Thankfully, he is doing really well after treatment and has shared how grateful he is that the signs were spotted early. His story is a powerful reminder of how vital regular dental check-ups can be — early detection truly can save lives.
While experts do not know exactly what causes every case of mouth cancer, around 90% are believed to be linked to lifestyle. The biggest culprits include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Prolonged sun exposure can also increase the risk, particularly for lip cancers. Smoking alone increases the likelihood of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times, while drinking to excess is linked to almost one-third of all cases. Combined, the two can triple your risk.
Recognising the early signs can make all the difference. Persistent ulcers that last more than three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, and unusual lumps or swellings around the tongue, lips, or neck should never be ignored. At East Park Dental, we include oral cancer screenings as part of every routine examination. Regular visits help us spot anything unusual early on, and in cases like this, early detection can be life-saving.
There are many ways to take part in Mouth Cancer Action Month and contribute to raising awareness in your community.
If it’s been more than a year since your last appointment, now is the perfect time to schedule one. Routine visits to East Park Dental allow our experienced team to monitor your oral health and detect early signs of potential issues, including mouth cancer. Prevention and early diagnosis are at the heart of what we do, and as a leading dental practice in Northampton, we are here to help keep your mouth healthy and your mind at ease.
Educating yourself and others about the causes of mouth cancers, symptoms, and prevention is one of the most powerful steps you can take. By talking openly about oral health, you can help reduce the stigma and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get checked regularly. The Oral Health Foundation provides a wealth of helpful information, from self-check guides to survivor stories, all designed to empower individuals to take control of their oral health.
Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Stopping smoking, cutting back on alcohol, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure are all practical steps that significantly lower your risk. Remember, every positive choice you make for your health counts.
Good oral health isn’t just about a bright smile, it’s closely linked to your overall health. Understanding the stages of gum disease, from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, is vital. Gum disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth, causing inflammation and infection. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with other health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining healthy gums through regular dental hygiene appointments and effective home care supports both your oral and general health.
At East Park Dental, we focus on preventive dentistry to help you avoid these issues. Our professional team offers tailored advice, cleaning, and early intervention to stop small problems from becoming serious.
Mouth Cancer Action Month is a call to action for everyone to take better care of their oral health. If you’ve noticed any unusual changes in your mouth, such as lumps, patches, or ulcers that don’t heal, don’t wait. Contact East Park Dental, your local dental practice in Northampton, for an appointment. If it has been more than 12 months since your last check-up, we encourage you to book your visit today. A quick, simple examination could make all the difference.
