A mobile dental van is visiting Newton Abbot to screen residents for mouth cancer.

As part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, dentists from Torbay and South Devon NHS are travelling around in the van – and calling in at St Leonard’s Clock Tower on Wednesday, November 20.

The free drop-in session is from 10am to 3pm.

An NHS spokesperson said: ‘Residents who do not have a dentist or haven’t seen their dentist recently are being encouraged to take the opportunity to visit the mobile dental van for free screening.

‘In addition, anyone who is worried about symptoms like an ulcer that hasn’t healed in three weeks; red or white patches in the mouth that you’ve not shown a dentist, or unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck area is encouraged to attend.

‘Other people that may benefit from visiting the mobile dental specialists would be people that have a higher risk of developing mouth cancer, such as those that smoke or drink heavily or have the HPV virus.’

Mouth Cancer Action Month highlights that more than 6,000 people annually are diagnosed with mouth cancer, half of which will lose their lives to the disease.

Sally Lacey, oral health educator for Torbay and South Devon NHS, said: ‘Attending a dentist regularly is not only important for the health and longevity of your teeth but also so that the dentist can check for any signs of cancer. Spotting the symptoms early really is key to the successful treatment of the disease.

‘If you haven’t had a check-up with your dentist recently, if you’re showing any of the symptoms, or if you fall within a high-risk group, I would strongly recommend coming along and speaking to our specialists in the mobile dentist van.

‘The mouth cancer checks are free and screening for mouth cancer is quick and totally painless. It typically consists of an examination of the tongue, gums, lips, inside cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth - there’s nothing to fear!

‘In previous years, the mobile dental van has proved very popular so please be aware that at busy times we may need to prioritise people who don’t visit the dentist often.’

NHS dentist places are available. For details contact the dental helpline on 03330 063 300 or email [email protected]