Mouth Cancer
Screening in Blackpool
Soft tissue checks are part of every routine dental examination — one more reason the £79 check-up matters even when nothing hurts.
Why this page exists
Mouth cancer cases in the UK have risen significantly over recent decades, and survival depends heavily on how early it's found. A routine dental examination includes checking the soft tissues of your mouth — tongue, cheeks, lips, floor of mouth, palate — which is where early changes show.
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What Happens at Your Appointment
Mouth Cancer — What We Check & What To Watch For
What to watch for between check-ups
See a dentist promptly about: an ulcer or sore that hasn't healed within three weeks; a red or white patch anywhere in the mouth; an unexplained lump in the mouth, lip or neck; persistent numbness or an odd feeling on the lip or tongue; unexplained difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness. Most of these turn out to be harmless — but 'three weeks and not healing' is the rule that matters.
What the examination covers
A routine dental examination looks beyond teeth: the tongue (including underneath and the sides, where changes commonly start), the floor of the mouth, inside the cheeks and lips, the palate, and the neck. It takes a couple of minutes and it's why dental examinations matter even for denture wearers with no natural teeth.
Who's at higher risk
Smoking and tobacco in any form, regular alcohol (the combination multiplies risk substantially), HPV infection, and age over 45 — though cases in younger, non-smoking adults have been rising. Higher-risk patients benefit from keeping a regular examination interval rather than attending only when something hurts.
What happens if we find something
Straight answers, fast action. Most findings are benign — trauma ulcers, harmless patches — and we'll often review in two weeks to confirm healing. Anything suspicious is referred through the urgent NHS suspected-cancer pathway, where you should be seen by a specialist promptly. Early-stage mouth cancer has dramatically better outcomes than late-stage, which is the entire case for routine screening.
Reduce your risk
Stop smoking (your GP or local stop-smoking service can help — it's the single biggest modifiable risk), keep alcohol moderate, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, and keep regular dental examinations even if your teeth feel fine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do dentists check for mouth cancer?
Yes — checking the soft tissues of the mouth is part of a routine dental examination, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, floor of mouth and neck.
What does early mouth cancer look like?
Commonly: an ulcer that doesn't heal within three weeks, a red or white patch, or an unexplained lump. Most such findings are benign, but persistence beyond three weeks always warrants a dental check.
How do I book an appointment at Tower Dental?
You can book in three ways: call 01253 353759 during opening hours, use the online booking form on any page of our website, or message us on WhatsApp. For cosmetic treatments (veneers, composite bonding, whitening, implants, Invisalign), we use a £40 Smile Consultation booking — this is payable online at booking and includes a full smile assessment, 3D digital preview and personalised treatment plan. For general dentistry, emergencies and hygienist visits, booking is free and we confirm your appointment by phone.
Where is Tower Dental located and where do I park?
Tower Dental is at 302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0TW. Free on-street parking is available directly outside the practice — there is no need to find a car park or pay for parking. The practice is easily reached from all Blackpool postcodes, from Cleveleys, Bispham, Fleetwood, Poulton-le-Fylde, Thornton, Lytham St Annes and Kirkham and from the M55 motorway for patients travelling from Preston, Lancaster and further afield. Patients regularly travel to us from across the Fylde Coast and wider Lancashire.
Is Tower Dental a private or NHS practice?
Tower Dental is a private dental practice. We offer membership plans from £9.99 per month for children and from £19.60 per month for adults (includes two check-ups, hygienist visits, x-rays and a discount on treatments), plus pay-as-you-go pricing and 0% finance over 6 or 10 months on larger treatments. Our prices are transparent and published on the website. Every quote is confirmed in writing at your consultation before any work begins, with no pressure to proceed.
What are Tower Dental's opening hours and do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
We are open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm. We are closed on Sundays. Same-day emergency appointments are available Monday to Friday from 8:30am — please call 01253 353759 as early in the day as possible to secure a slot. Members of our Adult and Periodontal plans receive unlimited emergency appointments at no additional charge. Common emergencies we see include severe toothache, dental abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns and dental trauma.
How is Tower Dental regulated and what are the dentists' qualifications?
Tower Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and met all CQC regulations at its most recent inspection on 16 July 2024. All clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) which sets and enforces professional standards across UK dentistry. Our team includes Dr Sarah Metias (Principal, GDC 114267, MJDF RCS England), Dr San Chatterjee (Implant Dentist, GDC 84643), Dr Alaaeldin Elraggal (Associate, GDC 300605, PhD Dental Biomaterials) and Dr Safa Rafiq (Associate, GDC 296810). You can verify any GDC registration on the GDC Register.
Further Reading from Trusted UK Sources
For impartial, authoritative information on dental health, regulations and patient rights in the UK, the following organisations are recognised sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered. Have more? Call 01253 353759.
Find Tower Dental Blackpool
302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY2 0TW · 01253 353759
"Modern UK dental practice integrates digital workflow, evidence-based treatment planning, and adherence to GDC Standards 1-9 covering patient safety, communication, and consent."
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