Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However, cancer can occur in the mouth, where the disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat.
Anyone can be affected by oral cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Oral cancers are more common in people over 40, particularly men.
However, research has shown that oral cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women. The number of new cases of mouth cancer is on the increase.
There are, on average, almost 6000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed in the UK every year.
Most cases of oral cancer are linked to tobacco and alcohol. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking are the main forms of tobacco use in the UK. However, the traditional ethnic habits of chewing tobacco, betel quid and paan are found to be particularly dangerous.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer, and in cases where tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even greater.
Over-exposure to sunlight may also increase the risk of cancer developing on the lips.
Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer which affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body.
HPV can be spread through oral sex route. Research is now evident that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as the number one risk factor for causing oral cancer.
Practising safe sex and limiting the number of partners are the two things that may help reduce the chances of contracting HPV.
People suffering fron cancer who undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy have special needs in terms of dental care.
There are special regimes of oral hygiene treatments that have been designed for these patients.
A clean mouth is of paramount importance in dealing with dental health issues for these patients.