Save your smile during Mouth Cancer Action Month

Queensway Dental Clinic has urged members of the public to ‘Save their Smile’ by raising awareness of the signs of mouth cancer throughout November during the British Health Foundation’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

It is estimated that there are on average 6,000 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. Professional check-ups and regular self-examinations are the best route to early detection of the disease. When brushing your teeth it is also a good time to look for any changes. Early diagnosis saves lives and gives suffers a 90% chance of survival.

Mouth cancer can affect all aspects of the mouth including the tongue and lips. Mouth cancers have traditionally affected people over 40, particularly men; however research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women.

Will Carter, Partner, Queensway Dental Clinic said: “Every patient that has a check-up at Queensway receives a mouth cancer screening from their dentist but we would urge those who maybe don’t visit the dentist regularly or who have symptoms such as an unusual lump, an ulcer that has not healed within two weeks or swollen or red and white patches in the mouth to visit their dentist or GP immediately. The important message from Mouth Cancer Action Month is if in doubt, get checked out. Awareness and early detection really could save your life.”

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of campaign organisers the British Dental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted that that Queensway Dental Clinic has joined the many dental practices, schools, health professionals and community groups promoting Mouth Cancer Action Month. “Three-quarters of cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol so it is important that smokers are encouraged to quit and alcohol is consumed in moderation. “The human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted via oral sex, and poor diets are also linked to mouth cancer. Worryingly the disease is also now affecting a younger group of people and many more who display none of the traditional risk factors. Early diagnosis can really make the difference so make sure you visit a dentist regularly and check your mouth as often as possible – it could just save your life.”

If you have any concerns, please visit your dentist or GP.

For more information on mouth cancer please visit www.mouthcancer.org.

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