Mouth Cancer Action Month November 2017
22nd November 2017 Awareness Days

The Oral Health Foundation (an independent dental charity), has been working hard to raise awareness of Mouth Cancer. In Mouth Cancer Action Month they have been aiming to get more mouth cancers diagnosed at an early stage by increasing education of the risk factors and signs and symptoms while encouraging everybody to discuss them with their dental professional.

What are Mouth Cancer Risk Factors?

The risk of developing mouth cancer can be cut by changing your lifestyle choices. The following are the risk factors that have been shown to play a major role in contracting the disease.

– Tobacco

– Alcohol

– HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

– Diet

What are some of the Signs and Symptoms?

Mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheek. Given that early detection is so crucial for survival, it’s extremely important that you know what to look out for. Three signs and symptoms NOT to ignore are:

  • Ulcers which do not heal in three weeks.
  • Red and white patches in the mouth.
  • Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.

You need to tell your dentist or doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms.

How can I keep my mouth healthy?

To keep your mouth as healthy as possible it is important to:

– Visit your dentist regularly

– Report any red or white patches, or ulcers, that have not cleared up within three weeks.

– Be sure to use the correct type of barrier cream on your lips.

– A good diet, rich in vitamins A, C and E, provides protection against the development of mouth cancer.

– Cut down on your smoking and drinking.

Information sourced: http://www.mouthcancer.org/

Mouth cancer cover

Both Dental and Private Medical Insurance policies normally include an element of cover for mouth cancer, subject to the level of cover/underwriting selected. There is normally a 3-6 month waiting period under dental plans for oral cancer treatment. For more information about either of these insurance products, please contact us on 01245 929 129 or email enquires@smphealthcare.com.