Why regular mouth cancer screening is crucial

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Mouth Cancer Screening[/caption]As part of our routine dental examinations at Carisbrook Dental, and in addition to checking out the condition a patient’s teeth and gums, we always carry out a thorough and diligent mouth cancer screening process. Maybe not all dentists do this at every examination and although it is still a relatively rare form of cancer we believe that regular screening is particularly important because if signs of mouth cancer are spotted early enough then the chances of effective and successful treatment are hugely increased. Mouth cancer screening is part of our preventative dentistry procedure, which means we check the inside and outside of your mouth for telltale signs. We perform a visual examination and also feel for lumps on your neck, below the chin and below your ears. Our visual examination looks for red or white patches and anything that doesn’t appear normal. As we said, this type of cancer is still relatively rare in this country, but it is serious and can be quite aggressive, so spotting signs of it early can be crucial.All the dentists at Carisbrook have spent a considerable time during their degree course studying oral cancers. What’s more we all still attend regular post-qualification courses about mouth cancer screening to keep us fully up to date with any new developments or treatments.Patients often ask us whether they can do anything to reduce their chances of developing mouth cancer. Here is our list of best advice suggestions.

1. Check yourself. If you have ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks, or if you have pain or discomfort in your mouth or you develop red or white patches in your mouth or lumps in your neck – then make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
2. Make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
3. Alcohol and tobacco products greatly increase your chances of developing mouth cancer.
4. Eat sensibly and healthily. A poor diet can increase the risk.
5. Some ethnic culture habits such as chewing paan or chewing tobacco can increase the risks.
6. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun is risky.
7. Check your family history. Mouth cancer can include a genetic factor.
8. Most important of all – make sure you make an appointment to visit your dentist at least twice a year so that they can carry out a professional mouth cancer screening examination.

Mouth Cancer Screening Appointment

If you are at all concerned and would like us to carry out a mouth cancer screening examination please call us on 0161 951 7295 to make an appointment. You can also send us an online message using the form on our Contact page.