By Dr. Henry Clover, Deputy Chief Dental Officer, Denplan
Only 13 per cent of people ask their dentist to check them for signs of mouth cancer and shockingly almost the same amount of people have never heard of the disease1.
Over the past 20 years the dental profession has rallied to help promote awareness of mouth cancer and Denplan dentists in particular have been among the first to offer free oral cancer screenings. Denplan, a major sponsor of Mouth Cancer Action Month; the annual awareness campaign in November, has been actively supporting the highest standards in private dentistry for more than 25 years.
Denplan member dentists and their teams are in a unique position to share information with you, highlight risks and spot early signs of mouth cancer that can be lifesaving. We are encouraging our 6,500 member dentists to offer free screenings throughout November.
Well over half the population received a dental consultation in the last two years. And as part of the examination dentists perform a pain-free careful check for potentially significant signs, like unusual lumps, red and white patches in the mouth and other possible signs of the disease. Use Mouth Cancer Action Month to ask your dentist if they offer free screenings.
For you, your oral hygiene routine is key and can help prevent other health conditions developing throughout your life. It is about working with your dentist and their dental team so they can identify any factors that could place your dental health at risk, and reduce the daily damage occurring to your teeth and gums.
Denplan’s relationship with the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) encompasses the very essence of what Denplan was founded upon – providing dentists with the tools to support preventive private dentistry.
If you are a dentist or patient interested in finding out more about mouth cancer symptoms, we recommend you visit BDHF’s website.
Don’t be shy – ask your dentist. If you need more tips about preventive dentistry, how best to look after your teeth, how to budget for your preventive private care or to find a Denplan dentist, visit our newly launched website at www.miteeth.co.uk.
1 BDHF survey, October 2012, conducted by Atomik Research