Quick question: when did you last take a proper look inside your mouth?
We don’t mean a glance at your teeth while you brush, or checking for spinach before a meeting. We mean a real look at your tongue, the insides of your cheeks, your gums and the roof of your mouth.
If the honest answer is “never”, you’re in very good company. Most of us could describe every freckle on our face, yet we’ve never really met the inside of our own mouth. That’s a shame, because your mouth is brilliant at dropping hints when something needs attention. You just need to know what those hints look like.
So this November, during Mouth Cancer Action Month, we’d love to show you. This isn’t a gloomy read, we promise. Think of it more like learning to check your car tires: a small, sensible habit that takes two minutes and gives you real peace of mind.
Why November is all about your mouth
Mouth Cancer Action Month runs every November. It’s led by the UK charity the Oral Health Foundation, and its message is simple: know what’s normal for you, and get anything unusual checked early.
It matters because awareness is surprisingly low. The charity’s 2024 report found around 10,825 new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year. Its research also suggests only about one in five people can recall the common signs.
Here’s the hopeful part. Mouth cancer is far easier to treat when it’s found early, and early changes are often visible or easy to feel. That puts a lot of the power back in your hands, and in the hands of your dental team.
The 8 early signs worth knowing
One golden rule sits behind almost everything below: the three-week rule. Most everyday mouth niggles clear up within a week or two. If something hangs around for longer than three weeks, it’s time to let a dentist or GP take a look.
1. A mouth ulcer that won’t heal
We’ve all had an ulcer after biting our cheek or during a stressful week. They’re sore, annoying and usually gone in 7 to 10 days. The one to watch is the ulcer that is still there after three weeks, especially if it doesn’t hurt much. An unexpectedly painless ulcer deserves the same attention as a painful one.
2. Red or white patches
Smooth, velvety red patches (erythroplakia) or white patches that can’t be wiped away (leukoplakia) can appear on the tongue, gums, cheeks or floor of the mouth. Many are harmless, often caused by rubbing from a rough tooth or denture. Some can change over time, though, so they’re always worth showing to a professional.
3. A lump or thickening
Run your tongue around your mouth and you’ll know every bump by heart. A new lump, or an area that feels thicker or firmer than the rest, is worth mentioning. That applies to your lips and gums too.
4. A lump in your neck
Your neck has lots of lymph nodes, which swell happily with every cold. A lump that stays put after a cold has cleared, or appears without any illness at all, should be checked.
5. Pain or numbness that doesn’t add up
Ongoing discomfort in your mouth, tongue or ear with no obvious cause is worth flagging. So is numbness or a strange tingling in your lip, tongue or chin.
6. Trouble swallowing or chewing
The feeling that food is catching, or that swallowing has become awkward or uncomfortable, shouldn’t be brushed off. The same goes for a jaw or tongue that suddenly feels stiff or hard to move.
7. A croaky voice that lingers
A husky voice after a cold or a big night of singing is normal. Hoarseness, or a change in how your voice sounds, lasting more than three weeks is a good reason to book in.
8. Loose teeth or dentures that suddenly don’t fit
If a tooth becomes loose for no clear reason, or a denture that fits perfectly starts rubbing, it may simply be gum or bone changes. Occasionally, though, it’s a sign that the tissue underneath needs a closer look.
Take a breath: most of these turn out to be nothing serious
If you’ve just spotted something on that list, please don’t panic. The NHS itself points out that these symptoms are very common and are usually caused by something far less worrying.
In everyday dental practice, most of the patches, lumps and ulcers we’re asked to check turn out to be things like a sharp tooth edge, a cheek bite, a minor infection or irritation from a denture. Getting it checked isn’t about expecting bad news. It’s about swapping a nagging “what if?” for a clear answer, usually within a few minutes.
Your two-minute mouth check
Once a month is plenty. Pick a regular moment, perhaps the first Sunday of the month, and grab a mirror in good light. Take out any dentures first.
- Face and neck. Look for any swelling on one side that isn’t on the other. Then gently feel along your jawline and down both sides of your neck for lumps.
- Lips. Pull your top lip up and your bottom lip down. Check the inside for sores or colour changes, and feel for lumps.
- Cheeks. Use a finger to pull each cheek out and look at the inside.
- Tongue. Stick it out and look at the top. Then move it to each side, and lift it to see underneath.
- Roof and floor of your mouth. Tilt your head back to see the roof. Then feel the floor of your mouth, under your tongue, with a finger.
That’s it. You’re not trying to diagnose anything. You’re simply learning what normal looks like for you, so you’ll notice if something changes.
Who’s more at risk, and how to tip the odds in your favour
Mouth cancer can affect anyone, including people who have never smoked. Still, a few things are known to raise the risk:
- Smoking and other tobacco, including chewing tobacco, paan and gutka. The Oral Health Foundation estimates smoking causes around two in three cases.
- Drinking alcohol regularly, especially above the UK guideline of 14 units a week. Smoking and drinking together multiply the risk.
- HPV (human papillomavirus), which is increasingly linked to cancers at the back of the mouth and throat.
- Too much sun on your lips, a risk that’s easy to forget on a bright day on Herne Bay seafront.
- Age. Most cases are diagnosed in people aged 55 to 74, though younger people are affected too.
The good news is that many of these are within your control. Cutting down on alcohol, stopping smoking (your GP or local stop-smoking service can help), using a lip balm with SPF and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables all make a difference. The HPV vaccine, now offered to boys and girls at school, adds valuable protection for the next generation.
Your dentist: the friendly early-warning system
Here’s something many patients don’t realise: every routine check-up at Warwick Lodge includes a mouth cancer screening. You’ve probably had dozens without noticing.
While we look at your teeth and gums, we also check your tongue, cheeks, palate and throat, and gently feel your jaw and neck. It’s quick, painless and completely non-invasive. Because we see your mouth regularly, we’re also well placed to spot small changes between visits.
If we notice anything we’d like a second opinion on, we’ll explain exactly what we’ve seen, in plain English. Where needed, we can arrange a fast referral to a specialist. Most of the time, though, the outcome is simply reassurance and a smile on the way out.
Frequently asked questions
What does early mouth cancer look like?
It often looks like an ordinary mouth ulcer, or a red or white patch. The key difference is that it doesn’t heal. Anything lasting longer than three weeks should be checked.
Can a dentist detect mouth cancer?
Yes. Dentists are trained to look for early signs, and a visual and physical check is part of a routine examination. If anything looks unusual, your dentist can refer you to a specialist.
Can non-smokers get mouth cancer?
Yes. Smoking is the biggest single risk factor, but alcohol, HPV and sun exposure also play a part. That’s why everyone benefits from regular checks.
How often should I check my own mouth?
Once a month is a good habit. Pair it with your regular dental check-ups, and you’ll have both bases covered.
A small habit with a big payoff
You don’t need to become an expert or worry over every little bump. Just get to know your mouth, remember the three-week rule, and keep up your regular check-ups. That’s genuinely all it takes.
Why not do your first two-minute check tonight? And if something has been bothering you, or it’s been a while since your last visit, our friendly team in Herne Bay would be glad to help. Call us on 01227 375 592 or book your appointment online. We’ll take a proper look and give you a proper answer.