How A Trip To The Dentist Could Save Your Life
It’s common knowledge that dental check-ups should take place regularly, with most people visiting their dentists twice a year, but did you know a trip to a dentist could actually save your life? As a dentist in Banbury, we have been serving the local Oxfordshire community for many years, inviting patients to come in and have routine check-ups and dental hygiene treatments with us on a frequent basis.
What Your Dentist Checks For Beyond Your Teeth
Of course, your dentist will check for tooth decay and gum disease, and they will be able to monitor any signs of deterioration and plan for future dental treatment. However, it is also important to check for other medical conditions during a general oral examination – for instance, conditions such as sleep apnoea, heart disease and even oral cancer. Patients with diabetes, for instance, are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, with the bone and gums prone to deterioration.
At 41 South Bar, we check for signs of these conditions during every oral health check. It is important for our patients to recognise and understand how poor dental hygiene can increase your chances of developing certain illnesses or diseases – you can read more in our article on how your oral health affects your overall health.
Why Mouth Cancer Awareness Matters
Research from the Oral Health Foundation has shown a significant rise in cases of mouth cancer in the UK, emphasising the need to detect early warning signs and symptoms.
The charity found that one in five people said that they would be unlikely to visit a dentist or doctor if they had a mouth ulcer that lasted more than three weeks.
The Foundation also found that many did not realise that smoking and drinking alcohol to excess were major causes of mouth cancer, and most people had no idea that HPV was a major cause of the disease. For these reasons, it is important to educate yourself about the risks and causes and to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Signs Of Mouth Cancer To Look Out For
Many of us are unable to recognise the signs, symptoms and causes of diseases such as mouth cancer, and therefore, are unaware of any changes taking place in the mouth. It is important that we are all mouth-aware, as it can affect anyone. Speak to your dentist or doctor if you notice:
- A mouth ulcer that hasn’t healed within three weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
- An unexplained lump or swelling in the mouth, lip or neck
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing, or a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Loose teeth with no obvious cause
Award-Winning Dentist In Banbury
Early diagnosis of such diseases can help to save lives – beating a person’s chances of surviving oral cancer from 50% to 90%. As leading Banbury private dentists, we are well positioned to give expert advice and information on all things dental.
Your dentist should be the first port of call if you notice any changes or disturbances in your mouth. We begin by visually examining the area for signs of mouth cancer during your routine dental check-up, and we implore patients to come to us if they notice anything different or concerning, as soon as possible.
We can also help you to self-examine your mouth, teeth and gums at home, providing you with preventative measures, and all the information you need to recognise the signs and symptoms. Good daily habits help too – see our tips to maintain healthy gums.
Book Your Check-Up At 41 South Bar
If you would like to arrange a check-up, or speak to a leading dentist in Banbury, please get in touch with 41 South Bar today. You can contact us on 01295 262008, or email info@41southbar.com. Alternatively, fill out our online request form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.