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.
Portishead, we need your help 💙
We’ve been nominated for the Together Portishead Business & Community Awards, and every nomination really does make a difference 🏆
As a local independent practice, your support means everything to us. Whether you’ve visited us for a Healthy Mouth Review, hygiene appointment, smile makeover or simply recommended us to friends and family - thank you.
If you haven’t voted yet, we’d be so grateful if you could spare 30 seconds to nominate Evolve Dentistry ✨
Vote here: www.togetherportishead.co.uk
Thank you for supporting local businesses and our amazing community 🙌
Brushing your teeth is important… but it’s only part of the story 🦷
In this video, Richard explains why cleaning between your teeth matters too - and the different ways you can do it, including:
✔ Floss
✔ TePe brushes
✔ Water flossers
Your toothbrush can’t always reach the tight spaces between your teeth, which means plaque and food can build up in these areas over time.
Cleaning between your teeth daily can help reduce:
✨ Gum problems
✨ Bad breath
✨ Tooth decay between teeth
Not sure which option is best for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and our team can help you find what works best for your smile and lifestyle.
Watch the video to learn more 💙
#SmileMonth #HealthySmiles #OralHealth #GumHealth #Healthysmile #PatientsFirst #NaturalTeeth #Portishead #NorthSomerset #Dentist #PortisheadMarina #Clevedon #Nailsea
Do you wake up with jaw pain, headaches or tension in your face? You could be clenching or grinding your teeth without even realising it.
In this video, Yasmin discusses how neurotoxin injections may help relieve symptoms associated with TMJ problems and teeth grinding.
For some patients, treatment can help to:
✨ Relax overactive jaw muscles
✨ Reduce clenching and grinding
✨ Ease tension and discomfort
✨ Help with headaches linked to jaw strain
Many people grind their teeth during sleep or clench during stressful periods, often without knowing they’re doing it.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as:
• Jaw ache
• Facial tension
• Headaches
• Worn teeth
• Clicking or tightness in the jaw
…it may be worth exploring your options.
#TMJ #TeethGrinding #JawClenching #FacialAesthetics #Portishead #NorthSomerset #PatientsFirst #Healthysmile #Dentist #PortisheadMarina #Clevedon #Nailsea
✨ A little update from us at Evolve Dentistry ✨
As many of our patients know, our practice is currently closed this week while essential repair work is being carried out.
While everything is being completed, we’d just like to gently remind everyone not to leave any dental concerns until the last minute where possible. If something doesn’t feel quite right, please get in touch with us sooner rather than later so we can help arrange the most appropriate care for you.
Thank you so much for your patience, kindness and understanding while the work takes place - we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back very soon. 💙
#Northsomerset #patientsfirst #patientsatisfaction #multiawardwinning #healthysmiles #healthysmile #dentist #portishead #portisheadmarina #nailsea #clevedon #acceptingnewpatient
Did you know? 👀
One of the simplest ways to improve your oral health is cleaning between your teeth every day.
Your toothbrush cleans the front, back and biting surfaces of your teeth - but it can’t always reach the tight spaces in between, where plaque and food can build up.
Using interdental brushes or floss daily can help:
✨ Reduce gum problems
✨ Freshen breath
✨ Lower the risk of decay between teeth
Not sure which products are best for you? Our team would always be happy to help guide you.
Small habits really do make a big difference 💙
#SmileMonth #HealthySmiles #GumHealth #OralHealth #Healthysmile #PatientsFirst #Portishead #NorthSomerset #Dentist #NaturalTeeth #Clevedon #Nailsea
✨ Is tooth whitening safe? ✨
Richard answers one of the questions we hear all the time in our latest Two Thirty video.
When carried out correctly and under the guidance of a dental professional, tooth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. In this short video, Richard explains how professional whitening works, why it’s important to avoid unregulated products, and what patients should know before starting treatment.
Watch now to learn more and see if tooth whitening could be right for you 🤍
#Northsomerset #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #healthysmiles #smilemakeovers #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #toothwhitening #whiteteeth #smileconfidence
