It is not uncommon to experience the occasional issue with your teeth or mouth. Tooth pain or ulcers are issues that can often be easily fixed with a trip to your dentist or over-the-counter treatments from the pharmacist.
This is why it is always worth attending regular dental check-ups, to ensure any such issues are sorted quickly and don’t get worse.
However, sometimes these problems could be a sign of something more sinister. One expert revealed that certain symptoms in the mouth could actually be a symptom of cancer.
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, typically causes symptoms that affect the mouth, tongue, throat and neck.
Dentist Dr Ferakh Hamid, from Aesthetique Dental Care in Leeds, shared six such symptoms to be wary of.
These include:
- A feeling of thickness in the throat
- Vocal changes or hoarseness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Numbness in your mouth
- Loose teeth without dental problems.
A feeling of thickness in the throat
Many people might not immediately associate a persistent feeling of something in their throat with oral health issues.
However, this can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer, according to Dr Hamid.
He said: “It’s crucial to listen to your body. If swallowing feels different or if you notice persistent throat discomfort, it’s time to consult your dentist or doctor.”
Vocal changes or hoarseness
Changes in your voice, such as hoarseness, can be more than just an annoyance or a symptom of a common cold.
He continued: “If you notice ongoing changes in your voice, especially if you’re having trouble speaking loudly or clearly, this could be a sign of something more serious.
“Don’t ignore these symptoms; getting a professional evaluation is key.”
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, can be indicative of various health conditions, including mouth cancer.
“If you notice swelling or a lump in your neck that persists or grows, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly,” he said.
“Early detection can significantly impact the success of treatment.”
Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
Experiencing difficulty with chewing, swallowing, or speaking is not only disruptive to daily life but can also be indicative of mouth cancer.
Dr Hamid said: “These symptoms shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if they persist or worsen over time. It’s important to address these signs by consulting a healthcare professional.”
Numbness in your mouth
Numbness or unusual sensations in the mouth, lips, or tongue, especially when persistent or accompanied by discolouration, could also be warning signs of mouth cancer.
Dr Hamid said: “These are not normal changes, and they should not be ignored. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause and necessary next steps.”
Loose teeth without dental problems
Teeth that become loose without any clear reason can be “alarming”.
He added: “If you’re experiencing this alongside other symptoms, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as oral cancer.
“It’s crucial to report these changes to your dentist or a healthcare professional as soon as possible.”
Cancer Research UK also lists symptoms of mouth cancer as:
- Ulcers that don’t heal
- Pain in your mouth
- Red or white patches in your mouth or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Speech problems
- A lump in your neck
- Weight loss
- Bad breath.
If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
