Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups catch problems early
Did you know that November is Mouth Cancer Action Month? Mouth cancer is one of the lesser known cancers but actually more than 8,300 people in the UK are diagnosed with it every year and that number continues to rise. It claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined.
The good news is that if caught early enough, there’s a 90% chance of survival. That is one of the reasons why we at Ringley Park Dental Practice put so much emphasis on regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene routines.
Know the signs
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal normally
- A white or red patch in the mouth
- Any unusual lumps in your mouth or jaw area
- Any persistent hoarseness
The Oral Health Foundation recommends that you should book a check-up if these areas do not heal within three weeks. If you are at all concerned, come in and see us.
Keep your mouth healthy
Excellent oral hygiene in the form of regular brushing and flossing is the best way to keep your mouth healthy and be able to spot anything unusual. At Ringley Park Dental Practice, we recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly, ideally for two minutes, twice a day using a standard fluoride toothpaste.
Brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surfaces of the teeth and it is not very effective for the areas between the teeth, so daily flossing is also recommended. For some, the use of interdental brushes is an alternative and if recommended, should be part of your daily routine. It’s important to get it right, so ask our hygienists to show you the best methods for brushing or flossing.
Book in for regular oral hygiene appointments
Our friendly and professional hygienists are passionate about keeping patients’ teeth and mouths healthy. During your oral hygiene appointment, they will give your mouth a thorough going over and clean away any plaque or other residue that has adhered to your teeth. They will also check for any signs of gum disease and other problems in the mouth, including the warning signs of cancer.
Equipped with the latest technology, such as our new Carestream intraoral camera, our hygienists can keep a close eye on your oral health, and even show you inside your mouth on a full-colour screen to give you complete peace of mind.
Denplan Essentials
To help you budget for check-ups and any scaling and polishing required, we offer the Denplan Essentials care plan, which covers your regular check-ups, X-rays (when clinically required) and regular hygienist appointments, for a manageable monthly fee. Denplan Essentials can keep you smiling, safe in the knowledge that there are no nasty surprises waiting for you – dental or financial!
Call us today on 01737 240123 to book a check-up appointment or find out more about how to join Denplan Essentials.
