LONDON: A leading UK dentist has issued an urgent warning to smokers and vapers, highlighting four critical oral health signs that could indicate serious health issues, including mouth cancer and gum disease. Dr. Nyree Whitley, Chief Clinical Officer at mydentist, emphasized the importance of early detection and regular dental check-ups to combat the rising number of oral health problems linked to nicotine-based products.
The warning follows a recent study predicting that smoking could cause 300,000 cancer cases in the UK by 2029. Dr. Whitley highlighted the dangers of all nicotine products, including cigarettes, vapes, Snus, and nicotine pouches, stating, “Tobacco in any form can lead to life-altering conditions such as mouth cancer, gum disease, and tooth discolouration.”
She identified four alarming signs smokers and vapers should monitor:
- Persistent ulcers
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Teeth staining or noticeable changes
Additional symptoms include lumps in the mouth or on the lips, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, or persistent pain in the mouth or throat. Dr. Whitley urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate dental care.
“With cases of mouth cancer increasing in the UK, routine dental check-ups are essential, even if no symptoms are present,” she said. “Dentists are equipped to detect early signs and provide timely treatment options.”
Dr. Whitley, who has over 20 years of clinical experience, warned that once gum disease progresses, reversing its effects becomes significantly harder. She stressed that early intervention could save lives and help manage conditions before they worsen.
