A dentist has warned people not to ignore a sore throat in some instances as it could be a sign of a more serious situation.
Many of us could probably be more consistent about visiting the dentist, even if we keep up with daily brushing.
It’s easy to assume that brushing twice a day, using mouthwash now and then, and popping in for an occasional check-up is enough — unless something starts to hurt.
However, problems affecting the mouth don’t always arrive with obvious or severe symptoms, which can make certain warning signs easy to dismiss.
Dr Deepa Chopra, a dentist at Whites Dental, has highlighted that a sore throat is one example that might be brushed off, even though in some cases it could point to a more serious underlying issue.
She explained that dentists can sometimes spot indicators linked to different forms of oral cancer during routine appointments, but not every potential sign will be clearly visible in the mouth.
Oral cancer — sometimes called mouth cancer — can develop in areas such as the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and lips.
Dr Chopra said: “Some symptoms may develop gradually and can be mistaken for minor issues.
“Persistent changes that do not resolve within a few weeks may benefit from professional assessment.”
Within the mouth, possible warning signs can include ulcers that won’t heal, bleeding without a clear cause, patches that are red or a mix of red and white, unusual lumps, or teeth that feel loose despite no obvious reason.
But Dr Chopra also stressed that some concerning symptoms may show up outside the mouth itself, including issues affecting the throat.
She added: “A long lasting sore throat, difficulty swallowing, discomfort when chewing, or persistent ear pain could sometimes be associated with changes in the oral or surrounding tissues.
“Numbness in the lip or jaw area may also warrant further investigation.
“If someone notices ongoing hoarseness, slurred speech or a change in their voice that does not improve, it may be advisable to seek medical or dental advice.”
She also pointed out that these symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer, as they can be caused by a range of more common conditions.
She continued: “For example, bleeding gums are often associated with gum inflammation rather than cancer.
“But if symptoms are unusual, persistent or worsening, it may be sensible to have them checked.
“Regular dental examinations may help identify changes early, sometimes before a patient is aware of them. Being familiar with what feels normal for you and seeking advice if something changes could support earlier detection.”