Dentist warns cancer ‘red flag’ in your mouth should not be ignored
It's fairly common, but there's one sign it could be something more serious
A dentist has come out to share his warning about signs you shouldn’t ignore in your mouth, as they could be early signs for a deadly disease.
It’s always best to listen to dental experts, as they have spent a lot of time getting to know their stuff about oral health and dangers.
From warning us about the way we brush our teeth, when we brush, what we eat, and the habits that can put us at risk for diseases, they’ve been sharing their knowledge for some time.
Despite that, it can be easy to miss the advice if you’re not going to the dentist regularly for a routine check-up.
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Thankfully, one dentist has been loud about his warning online, so you’re more likely to listen and take heed of what he’s saying.
Dr Andrej Bozic, oral surgeon at Dentum in Croatia, treats many Brits each year, and he wants us to know something about oral ulcers.
You’ve probably had one or two before, and while painful and pesky, they’re usually harmless.
Unless they present with these symptoms.
"Most ulcers are harmless and clear within a week or two," he explained, as per the Mirror. "But if one persists, bleeds, or keeps coming back in the same spot, it's a red flag that shouldn't be dismissed."
If this happens, it could be an early indicator of oral or throat cancer.
Those at the most risk of this are smokers, heavy drinkers or those with HPV (human papillomavirus) which can cause a range of cancers, like cervical cancer.
However, you might not even know you have oral or throat cancer until it's too late.
"These cancers often start small and painless," Dr Bozic said. "You might not feel unwell, so the temptation is to wait and see if it heals. But catching it early makes all the difference."
He said your dentist will be able to tell if there are any changes happening in your mouth that are a cause for concern.
Generally, oral cancers will present with white or red patches, ulcers that don't heal, or thick skin inside of the mouth.
"If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait for it to hurt," he warned. "Early detection gives the best chance of full recovery."
"Your dentist isn't only checking for cavities," he added. "We're also trained to spot early signs of cancer, infections and other diseases that may first appear inside the mouth.
"Most ulcers are nothing to worry about. But if one refuses to heal, don't wait. Getting it checked could save your life."
Britt Jones