Many of us have been visiting a dentist regularly for years and more than likely give little thought to what happens during our dental examination. It would be very easy to dismiss the importance of regular check-ups, especially if it feels like everything is fine and nothing has changed.

However, as well as being ahead of possible issues around your cleaning or emerging issues with any of your teeth, regular examinations also keep a close check on other aspects of oral health  – including gum disease and mouth cancer.

Prevention is our focus

Your clinician has an important list of areas to assess and take care over during your appointment:

• Check your teeth, gums and mouth for problems you may not see or feel
• Diagnose and treat early signs of decay as soon as possible
• Identify and treat undetected or ongoing oral health issues
• Carefully check your throat, gums and soft tissues for signs of oral cancer
• Take dental x-rays where required to take a closer look at any areas of possible concern

We’re getting behind Mouth Cancer Action Month

During November we are supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month, an important campaign raising awareness of the signs, symptoms and causes of mouth cancer to increase prevention and early diagnosis.

Mouth Cancer: The Facts

In the last 10 years the number of people diagnosed with mouth cancer has increased by over 45%. Unfortunately, awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer remains dangerously low, leading to over 8,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK. Whilst the disease is more common in people over 40, particularly men, it is becoming more common in younger people too.

With around half of all mouth cancer cases linked to lifestyle factors seen as ‘preventable’ such as excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, it is important to highlight how you can reduce the risk of developing this disease as well as understand what to look for at home.

If in doubt, get checked out

As well as attending regular dental exams and hygienist visits, make sure you are checking for any changes at home. Early detection and treatment are vital to survival, so if you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed below, make an appointment with your GP or dentist as soon as possible and get checked out:

• A mouth ulcer which doesn't heal within three weeks
• Unusual lumps or swelling
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Persistent bleeding or numbness within the mouth
• Changes in the voice
• Teeth that become loose for no obvious reason
• Persistent red or white patches in the mouth or throat

If in doubt, get checked out!

Mouth Cancer: Reducing your risk

Between your dental exams and hygienist visits, there are positive changes to your lifestyle that you can make which are thought to  reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer.

• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Reduce cigarettes, pipes, cigars and second-hand smoke exposure
• Avoid chewing tobacco
• Eat a healthy, balance diet rich in Omega 3 and high fibre foods
• Minimise exposure to UV radiation from sunlight and sunbeds
• Check your family medical history

For full details please visit Oral Health Foundation and find out how you can get involved with Mouth Cancer Action Month and raise awareness to prevent this disease.

We are here to help

Our professional clinicians at Oak Lodge understand that discovering changes in your mouth can be worrying and are here to help you during this time. If you are in any doubt about symptoms highlighted in this article, please call our friendly team to make an appointment as soon as possible by calling 01428 723179 or emailing our team on smile@oaklodgedental.co.uk