Twickenham Dentist Online Newsletter

HELP US FIGHT MOUTH CANCER

 

Did you Know?

Mouth cancer is one of the 20 most common cancers in the world. Young, old, smokers, non-smokers, 6000 people will be diagnosed with mouth cancer this year. Without early detection half will die.

What can lead to Mouth Cancer?

Tobacco - About 90% of people with Mouth cancer use tobacco. The risk of developing these cancers increases with the amount smoked or chewed and the duration of the habit. Smokers are 6 times more likely than non-smokers to develop these cancers. Smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and the lips.

Alcohol- Drinking alcohol greatly increases a smoker’s risk of developing mouth cancer. The combination of alcohol and tobacco is deadly.

Poor nutrition – A diet low in fruits and vegetables is another risk factor.

Age- The likelihood of developing this condition increases with age.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection- The current studies indicate HPV may contribute to the development of throat and mouth cancers in around 20% of people diagnosed.

What should you look out for?

1. Sore area in the mouth that does not heal.

2. Pain in the mouth that does not go away.

3. Persistent lump or thickening in the cheek.

4. Persistent white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth.

5. Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

6. Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth

7. Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

8. Loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw.

9. Quite often this condition is pain free.

IF IN DOUBT GET IT CHECKED OUT!

HEALTHY MOUTH, HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

Visit your dentist, doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms last more than 2 weeks.

www.mouthcancer.org

Email us directly if you have any concerns - erum1.khan@gmail.com     madin.khan1@gmail.com