Britons have been warned that skipping routine dental appointments might be doing more harm than they realise, after an expert cautioned that it can quietly increase the chances of developing throat cancer.
A leading oral surgeon is sounding the alarm about the connection between missed check-ups and the growing wave of HPV-related oral cancers sweeping across Britain.
Dr Andrej Bozic, who works at Dentum in Croatia and treats numerous British patients annually, warned that dental visits aren't just about keeping your teeth healthy.
"Your dentist isn't only checking for cavities," he explained. "We also look for patches, ulcers or lumps at the back of the mouth and throat - things you might not notice yourself. Ignoring those check-ups could mean missing an early cancer diagnosis."
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Ignoring a dental check could mean missing an early cancer diagnosis
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The cancers affecting the rear of the throat and tonsils are now among Britain's most rapidly increasing cancer types, with HPV transmitted through oral contact being the main culprit.
The latest NHS figures reveal that HPV appears in most new throat cancer diagnoses.
It turns out these cancers often start in spots that dentists can easily check during routine examinations - making your regular appointment one of the simplest ways to spot trouble early.
Dentists are perfectly positioned to notice changes in areas you'd never see yourself.
They can identify suspicious patches or lumps during standard check-ups, potentially catching cancer at its most treatable stage.
There are several warning signs that should prompt an immediate visit to your dentist or GP.
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Watch out for ulcers or unusual white or red patches in your mouth or throat that won't go away.
A lump or swelling beneath your jaw or in your neck that sticks around for more than three weeks needs checking too.
You should also pay attention if you're having ongoing pain or trouble swallowing, or if it feels like something's stuck in your throat.
"If any of these symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, see your dentist or GP straight away," Dr Bozic stressed. "Early throat cancers caught by dentists have far better outcomes."
It's brilliant that preventing throat cancer can be as simple as keeping your dental appointments every six months.
Dentists suggest maintaining healthy gums and steering clear of smoking and excessive drinking - both still major factors in mouth and throat cancers.
Ulcers or unusual white or red patches in the mouth could signal an underlying issue
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The HPV vaccine offers another powerful shield against the disease as "it protects against the strains of the virus most likely to cause throat cancer, so ensuring young people are vaccinated is vital," Dr Bozic noted.
"Your dental visit might just save far more than your smile," Dr Bozic concluded. "Skipping it could mean missing your only early warning sign."
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