Face
Dentistry
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. These 30 days are for fundraising and improving our understanding of this dangerous disease.
Last year, 8,864 people received the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer.[i] Able to spread quickly, mouth cancer claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. It is also a bigger killer per year than road traffic accidents.i Being able to identify the signs and symptoms is essential to save lives – the earlier the diagnosis, the more successful the treatment can be.
Signs and symptoms
Mouth cancer can develop in the tongue, gums, inner cheek lining, floor of the mouth, and lips.[ii] Current awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer is at 17%.i This must increase to give at-risk patients the best shot at beating it.
There can be many symptoms of mouth cancer. Visual changes may include:
Other symptoms are:
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see a doctor or a dentist. Early diagnosis can stop the fast spread of the cancer.
Knowing the risk
Certain people are more likely to develop mouth cancer than others. There are many risk factors that cannot be controlled. These can include age, a family history of mouth cancer, having a weakened immune system, and gender. However, there are some preventable risk factors.
The most well-known risk factor for mouth cancer is smoking – it is linked to over 60% of mouth cancers.[iv] This is because tobacco contains over 60 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer.[v] These are called carcinogens. Smokers who also drink large quantities of alcohol are at an even greater risk.iii Quitting smoking or switching to e-cigarettes can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.
Another preventable risk factor is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is one of the most common STIs.[vi] It often goes away on its own but sexually active people should get regular STI tests and practice safe sex. School vaccination programmes have also proven successful.
People who work outside for long periods of time are also at risk. This can include farmers, sailors and builders. The constant exposure to the sun and UV rays can increase the risk of mouth cancer developing. Wearing an SPF lip balm and shielding the face with a hat can reduce this risk for outdoor workers.
Be part of the battle
Incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 49% over the past decade.i Being able to spot signs and symptoms is important for treating it early. At-risk patients need regular check-ups and should control any harmful lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.
This November, join us in raising awareness for the symptoms and risks of mouth cancer. From educating family members to encouraging smokers to vape, there are many small ways that you can get involved. Don’t let mouth cancer impact the lives of those around you.
😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
📍 Portishead | 📅 Book your appointment today.
