A dentist has highlighted four key symptoms smokers and vapers should be vigilant about as they could point to grave health issues.
Amid findings from a recent study predicting smoking may lead to 300,000 cancer cases in the UK by 2029, Dr Nyree Whitley, chief clinical officer and practising dentist at mydentist, has offered crucial advice on oral health for those who indulge in tobacco and nicotine products.
Dr Whitley issued a stark warning: “It’s important to know that any nicotine-based product can have detrimental effects on your oral health – this includes cigarettes, vapes, Snus and nicotine pouches.”
Despite uncertainties surrounding the long-term impacts of vaping, she underscored the importance of being aware of the harm tobacco products can inflict. She explained: “Tobacco in any form can lead to life-altering conditions such as mouth cancer, gum disease, and other oral health issues such as discolouration of teeth.”
She also pointed out these products could also gradually cause gums to recede and lead to gum disease. Dr Whitley urges smokers to diligently monitor their oral health and to “check your mouth for signs of any changes to your gums, tongue, or teeth”.
She elaborated: “The four key signs to watch out for are recurring or persistent ulcers, red or white patches in your mouth, bleeding gums, or changes on your teeth such as staining.”
Other symptoms to be vigilant about include “lumps either within your mouth or on your lips, swollen glands, any pains in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or a feeling of having a lump in your throat”.
The expert warned: “These could all be signs of conditions such as mouth cancer or gum disease and you should contact your dentist as soon as possible so that they can invite you for a check-up to provide you with tailored guidance and, where needed, treatment options.”
Once gum disease has taken hold and “become apparent”, Dr Whitley cautions it can be “more difficult to reverse these side effects” and recommends those with concerns to seek their dentist’s help “for tailored advice and support”.
With over two decades of clinical practice under her belt, Dr Whitley pointed out smokers are “at much higher risk of developing mouth cancer and gum disease” and emphasises “early detection” is crucial.
She added: “With cases of mouth cancer increasing in the UK, I’d strongly advise anyone who does smoke to ensure that where possible, they continue with their routine dental check-ups – even if they think they are okay and not experiencing any symptoms, as your dentist will be well placed to spot any early signs that could appear.
“Mouth cancer, also referred to as oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth and any age group. The severity of it can depend on how quickly it is spotted, how far it has spread, how big it is and the individual’s overall health.”
The dentist stressed the importance of vigilance, saying “early detection is key to improving survival rates” in cases of mouth cancer. Symptoms could have innocuous explanations, but prompt professional consultation is still recommended.
Dr Whitley advised: “My advice is to visit your dentist as regularly as possible, as they will screen for oral cancer as part of your routine check-up. If you are concerned, then your dentist will be well placed to provide you with guidance and support.”
The message echoes across social media, with Dr Shaadi Manouchehri’s TikTok video sharing the same symptoms drawing public engagement. In response to the posting, one curious viewer asked: “Interesting! Is it possible to see these things yourself or is a visit required?” Meanwhile, others expressed gratitude towards the dentist for sharing such vital insights.
