Face
Dentistry
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. These 30 days are for fundraising and improving our understanding of this dangerous disease.
Last year, 8,864 people received the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer.[i] Able to spread quickly, mouth cancer claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined. It is also a bigger killer per year than road traffic accidents.i Being able to identify the signs and symptoms is essential to save lives – the earlier the diagnosis, the more successful the treatment can be.
Signs and symptoms
Mouth cancer can develop in the tongue, gums, inner cheek lining, floor of the mouth, and lips.[ii] Current awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer is at 17%.i This must increase to give at-risk patients the best shot at beating it.
There can be many symptoms of mouth cancer. Visual changes may include:
Other symptoms are:
If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, see a doctor or a dentist. Early diagnosis can stop the fast spread of the cancer.
Knowing the risk
Certain people are more likely to develop mouth cancer than others. There are many risk factors that cannot be controlled. These can include age, a family history of mouth cancer, having a weakened immune system, and gender. However, there are some preventable risk factors.
The most well-known risk factor for mouth cancer is smoking – it is linked to over 60% of mouth cancers.[iv] This is because tobacco contains over 60 toxic chemicals that can cause cancer.[v] These are called carcinogens. Smokers who also drink large quantities of alcohol are at an even greater risk.iii Quitting smoking or switching to e-cigarettes can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.
Another preventable risk factor is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is one of the most common STIs.[vi] It often goes away on its own but sexually active people should get regular STI tests and practice safe sex. School vaccination programmes have also proven successful.
People who work outside for long periods of time are also at risk. This can include farmers, sailors and builders. The constant exposure to the sun and UV rays can increase the risk of mouth cancer developing. Wearing an SPF lip balm and shielding the face with a hat can reduce this risk for outdoor workers.
Be part of the battle
Incidence of mouth cancer has risen by 49% over the past decade.i Being able to spot signs and symptoms is important for treating it early. At-risk patients need regular check-ups and should control any harmful lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of mouth cancer.
This November, join us in raising awareness for the symptoms and risks of mouth cancer. From educating family members to encouraging smokers to vape, there are many small ways that you can get involved. Don’t let mouth cancer impact the lives of those around you.
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
✨ Looking for a role where people matter?
We’re searching for a new Front of House Team Member to join our award-winning team at Evolve Dentistry.
This isn’t just about answering the phone or booking appointments.
It’s about creating the kind of welcome that makes people feel relaxed from the moment they walk through our doors. It’s remembering the little things, taking pride in every interaction and helping deliver an experience that patients genuinely talk about.
If you’re warm, organised, love looking after people and enjoy being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Experience in dentistry isn’t essential. We’re looking for the right person with the right attitude - someone who genuinely enjoys making a difference to someone’s day.
If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we’d love to hear from you - hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk
📍 Portishead
💙 Award-winning team culture
☕ Every patient welcomed like a guest
Please share this post with anyone who might be the perfect fit.
🚦 Travelling to Evolve? Please allow a little extra time.
If you’re visiting us over the next few weeks, please be aware that there are temporary traffic lights on the Portbury Hundred until 10th August, which are causing delays, particularly at busier times of the day.
We’d hate for your journey to add any unnecessary stress, so if you have an appointment with us, we’d recommend allowing a little extra travel time.
If you think you may be delayed, please give our reception team a call and we’ll do everything we can to help.
Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to the practice. 💙
“Great patient focus and excellent staff and facilities.”
Those few words mean a great deal to us.
Because creating an exceptional experience isn’t just about modern facilities - it’s about making every person who walks through our doors feel welcomed, listened to and genuinely cared for.
Every interaction matters, from your first phone call to the moment you leave the practice.
Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback in our recent patient survey. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep making every experience the best that it can be. 💙
#EvolveDentistry #PatientExperience #PatientFeedback #Portishead #Compassion #ExceptionalCare
