Posts tagged “oral cancer”

New Year, New You?

It’s that time of year again, time for us to choose a new challenge to commit to for 365 days, be it starting something new or quitting an old habit.

Studies have found that around 50% of the country will make some form of resolution for the New Year with “losing weight” being the most popular choice. However, success rates are low, with around 88% of people not completing their goal.

To achieve success, studies have found that smaller is better and what is easier than popping in for an oral health screening? This is a quick and easy way of taking control of your health, the starting point of your overall health MOT.

A check up allows us to examine all the teeth and tissues of the mouth, checking for any underlying issues as well as perform an oral cancer screen and check that the muscles and joints are performing as they should be.

So let’s not be in that 88% that fail to meet their goal, and make this the year that you take control of your oral health – here’s to sparkling smiles in 2014!

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month!

November sees the practice promoting Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, with the focus being that regular checks by the dentist and hygienist can catch the disease earlier. We perform a mouth cancer check at every appointment.

The importance of these regular oral cancer checks is highlighted by a recent study that found the number of patients diagnosed with the disease is on the increase, by around 50% since the year 2000. The British Dental Health Foundation, the organisation raising awareness of the disease have found that there were over 7500 new cases of the disease in 2011. However, if caught early enough, the chances of survival could be as high as 90%. Another good reason for regular screening at your dental checks!

Oral cancer is caused by a number of factors including smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet, as well as the presence of HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus.

The advice we give to patients is to have regular checks of the tissues in the mouth at your dental appointments and if in doubt, get it checked out! Ulcers that won’t go away, any patches – red or white – lumps or bumps, come in and let us take a look. Remember – early detection is key!