November 2011, Mouth Cancer Action Month.

1^st – 30^th November 2011 is Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Although it is a bleak and serious subject, the good news is that spotting the disease early increases chances of survival up to more than 90%.

Play your part through self-examination, looking for early warning signs of mouth cancer and being aware of the risk factors.

This year’s strap line is ‘if in doubt get it checked out’

Here at Alexandra Dental Care we strongly agree with that statement, when you attend for your routine examination it’s not just your teeth that we check.

Your dentist will carry out a soft tissue examination, checking your gums, lips and around the tongue. Records are kept of the findings so that we can make a comparison every 6 months, looking for any changes. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to attend regularly for check-ups. Even if you have full dentures or just a few teeth it is still important to schedule a check-up into your diary, it could save your life!

So, what does mouth cancer look like? While there aren’t any signs for some people, others can detect early signs like bleeding in the mouth, red or white patches and a constant soreness are some symptoms.

What are the Risk Factors?

Smoking.

The habit is still considered the leading cause of mouth cancer. Smoking helps to transform saliva into a deadly cocktail that damages cells in the mouth and can cause them to turn cancerous.

Alcohol.

Drinking to excess can increase the risk of mouth cancer by up to four times. Alcohol aids absorption of tobacco into the mouth, those who smoke and drink to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop the disease.

Poor Diet.

Around a third of oral cancer cases are thought to be linked to an unhealthy diet. It is recommended that people eat a healthy, balanced diet including 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Omega 3 which can be found in fish and eggs can help lower the risk as can high fibre foods such as seeds, whole-wheat pasta and brown rice.

Chewing tobacco or smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco is normally described as any tobacco that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned. Although chewing tobacco or smokeless tobacco can be thought by some people to be safer than smoking it is in fact more dangerous!

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

The Human Papilloma virus Is increasingly being linked to mouth cancer. Younger people are particularly at risk. Experts suggest that it may rival tobacco and alcohol as a key risk factor within 10 years from now.

Some Shocking Statistics.

• 1’822 people died from mouth cancer in 2008.
• Early detection transfers survival chances to more than 90%.
• Mouth cancer kills more people than cervical cancer and testicular cancer combined
• 87% of cases in the UK occur in people aged 50 or over.
• Too many people have mouth cancer spotted too late as they have not kept up regular dental checks.

 

 

Do you have your next check-up booked? If not call our friendly reception to make an appointment.

 

 

 

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