British scientists issue warning over a lesser-known cancer: “It is becoming increasingly common worldwide”
A serious health issue that many people may overlook if they don’t see a dentist regularly.
Do you remember the last time you went to the dentist? If the answer is no, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Dental care needs vary from person to person, but it’s generally recommended to have a checkup every six to 12 months, and no more than two years should pass between dental visits.
The reality is very different in some countries. According to the Oral Health Foundation, 37% of adults in England visit an NHS dentist, part of the United Kingdom’s publicly funded healthcare system, every two years, while one report suggests that 75% of adults do not see a dentist on a regular basis.
One of the most serious risks of skipping routine dental appointments is missing the early signs of oral cancer, which are often detected during regular checkups. The disease can develop anywhere in the mouth, although it most commonly affects the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the lips, and the inside of the cheeks. It can also affect the gums, the roof of the mouth, and spread to the throat. Dr. Tony Banerjee of the HarleyDoc clinic says that “no area is immune, which is why a thorough oral examination is so important.”
Oral cancer symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions
Dr. Banerjee explains that “the early symptoms can be subtle, which means oral cancer is often diagnosed later than we would like.” So what should people look out for? The most common warning signs “include persistent mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, unexplained lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck, red or white patches inside the mouth, and changes in the voice.”
Regular dental checkups are important, but experts also recommend performing a simple self-exam once a month. Using a mirror and good lighting, examine your tongue, the inside of your cheeks, your gums, and your lips. Look for anything unusual, including ulcers, changes in color, or lumps.
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