The National Cancer Control Programme has recently published advice on referral pathways for head and neck cancer. The original guidance document is available here and is copied below.
Any of the following features, when present in the mouth for more than three weeks without an obvious cause should get an urgent specialist opinion:
mouth ulceration
white or red patches
pigmented […]
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a foaming agent that it present in most toothpastes, soaps and detergents. For most people, it causes no problems when used in the mouth as part of toothpaste. However, when the lining of the mouth is thinned, ulcerated or sensitive it can sting and make the mouth feel uncomfortable. Some […]
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers occur when a part of the lining of the mouth breaks down. They are common and affect most people at some stage in their lives. Up to one in five people suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers.
Can they be serious?
Yes, mouth ulcers can be the first sign of a serious […]
What causes mouth soreness?
There are many conditions that can cause the mouth to be sore. Infections, mouth ulcers, diabetes and being deficient in some vitamins and minerals can all cause burning sensations in the mouth. These conditions cause signs that can be identified by a specialist in the mouth, with x-rays or on blood […]
Geographic tongue (also known as erythema migrans) is a common condition that most often affects the top surface of the tongue, but can rarely affect other areas of the mouth. It occurs in roughly two percent of the population and is considered to be a variant of normal anatomy. This means that it is not […]
What is lichen planus?
Lichen planus is a common inflammatory condition, that affects roughly two percent of the population. The precise cause of lichen planus is not known although it is likely that it occurs due to the immune system reacting abnormally against the lining of the mouth. There is no strong evidence that lichen planus […]
What causes mouth dryness?
Dry mouth is a common complaint, which affects people more often as they grow older. Most people experience dryness of the mouth for short periods when they are anxious or dehydrated. However for some, dry mouth is a persistent problem.
The most common cause of dry mouth is medication. Many prescription medicines […]
