Caterham Dental Team Promotes Regular Check-Ups Amid Oral Cancer Surge
The team from mydentist in Caterham is urging patients to stick to regular check-ups after statistics showed an alarming increase in oral cancer cases.
Figures from Cancer Research UK suggest that the number of people affected by mouth cancer has increased by more than 80 percent since the 1970s. There is also evidence to suggest that gum disease can increase the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Research suggested that periodontal disease could increase the risk by up to 14 percent.
Practice manager at the Croydon Road clinic, Palmey DeGale, said that the shocking figures underline the importance of attending regular check-ups and being mouth aware. When you have a routine appointment, your dentist will have a look around your mouth and check for signs of oral cancer, as well as decay and gum disease. Detecting oral cancer early can increase the chances of survival by up to 90 percent, so a trip to the dentist really could save your life.
Possible symptoms of oral cancer include slow-healing mouth ulcers, abnormal swelling and lumps and red or white patches in the mouth. Additional signs may include unexplained oral pain, a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. If you do notice any of these signs, see your dentist or your GP. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment.
Risk factors for mouth cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol and a poor diet. HPV (human papilloma virus) infection can also increase your chances of developing oral cancer. HPV is a common virus and in most cases it causes no problems, but certain strains have been linked to elevated cancer risk. HPV is also linked to cervical cancer.
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