Increase chances of beating oral cancer at London dentist
One of the most serious conditions that can affect the oral cavity is oral cancer. This is a disease that can be fatal if not caught and treated early enough, that affects thousands of people in the UK each year. One of the best ways to beat oral cancer is to make sure you keep up regular check up appointments at your dentist. Dentists are trained to examine for oral cancer as part of a routine check up and could be instrumental in an early diagnosis that could save your life.
Oral cancer usually manifests itself as small red or white patches on the lining of the mouth, gums, lips or throat. These small patches are rough and sore and do not disappear after a week or so unlike a mouth ulcer. They are very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures so could make eating and drinking quite difficult. The other symptoms of oral cancer include unexplained bleeding in the mouth, a significant weight loss without any change to diet or exercise and pain in the head, neck and shoulders.
If you are demonstrating any of these symptoms it is crucial that you make an appointment with a London dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to perform an examination and brush biopsy on any suspicious areas. They will also be able to refer you to a specialist for immediate treatment should the results be concerning.
There are a number of high risk factors for oral cancer such as your age and sex. Being male and over forty increases your chances of contracting the disease, as do lifestyle choices such as smoking and an unhealthy diet. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol also increases the risks of cancer. However, even people with none of the risk factors are still capable of getting oral cancer so you can never afford to be complacent.
