July 16th, 2010
Everybody knows the statistic that cancer now affects one in three people in the UK at some point during their lives. This is a very large number for such a dangerous disease so we need to be doing all we can to beat cancer and give ourselves the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
One of the most virulent forms of the disease is oral cancer that affects the lips, tongue, gums and soft tissue of the mouth. Oral cancer, if not treated early enough is fatal in all cases. However, if you catch the condition in time to treat it, you stand a greater than 80 per cent chance of successful treatment.
The most effective way of catching oral cancer is to have your mouth regularly examined by a dentist. Dentists are trained to examine for oral cancer as part of a routine check up procedure. Any suspicious looking patches can be examined and tested using a brush biopsy. If the results come back positive, your Central London dentist will be able to refer you for treatment as soon as possible.
Oral cancer manifests itself as small red or white patches on the soft tissue in the mouth. These will be very painful and sensitive to hot and cold and will not disappear naturally after a couple of weeks unlike mouth ulcers. Other symptoms of oral cancer include an unexplained weight loss, bleeding in the mouth (usually from the gums) and a pain in the head or neck. Stopping oral cancer really is simple, as long as you give yourself the bet possible chance. If it has been longer than six months since your last appointment, make the call today. It could just save your life.
May 19th, 2010
Looking after the health of your mouth is very important. Good oral hygiene, with effective brushing and flossing every day will help to keep your teeth and gums free from disease. However, it is very important that you also see a dentist for a check up appointment every six months to ensure your teeth and gums are not suffering damage. It is also necessary to see a dentist to protect yourself from other diseases and conditions that affect the oral cavity.
Perhaps the most serious of all the conditions that affect the mouth is oral cancer. This is classified as any cancer affecting the lips, tongue, cheek lining and throat. Oral cancer is a very nasty form of the disease that will be fatal if not caught and treated early enough. If the cancer is detected in time you stand a greater than 80 per cent chance of making a full recovery.
Oral cancer usually appears as small sores, lumps or patches on the soft tissue. These will be very sensitive to extremes of hot and cold and very painful. They also do not disappear after two weeks like non-cancerous sores in the mouth. They are often red or white or a combination of the two.
Your London W1 dentist will be able to examine any suspicious areas in the mouth and carry out a brush biopsy to test for cancerous cells. There are other signs of oral cancer which you need to be aware of including unexplained bleeding in the mouth and sudden weight loss. If you suspect oral cancer or are unsure about a certain part of the mouth make an appointment to see a dentist as soon as possible, it could be the most important decision you’ll ever make. Also ask your dentist for more information about oral cancer at your next appointment.
April 12th, 2010
Cancer will affect one in three of us at some point in our lives and is one of the UK’s biggest killers. It is therefore important that we are aware of the signs and symptoms of all cancer, as early treatment is so fundamental to surviving this terrible disease.
Oral cancer is a common form of the disease with visible symptoms that if detected early enough has a better than 80 per cent survival rate. Oral cancer can affect anybody at any time but certain factors do make people more susceptible. Smoking and heavy drinking, particularly when done together, can make you many times more likely to contract oral cancer. Males tend to be twice as likely as females to suffer, especially males over the age of 40.
There are several signs to look out for that may be indicators of oral cancer. Small red or white sores in the mouth, resembling mouth ulcers, that don’t disappear naturally after a couple of weeks, may be the first sign. Other symptoms include unexplained bleeding in the mouth, toothaches and headaches. Any unexplained weight loss may also be indicative of oral cancer.
The most important thing to remember is that if you are experiencing any unusual activity or pain in your mouth, make an appointment to see a City of London dentist as soon as possible. It is also worth remembering that dentists are rained to spot the signs of oral cancer and can conduct a routine examination at your next check up.
April 7th, 2010
Smoking is mostly associated with lung cancer and breathing related problems says a dentist from the City of London, but there is also a strong link between smoking and gum disease. Tobacco is a natural plant, but it doesn’t burn naturally and there are many chemicals added to it to make it burn with consistency. This factor, the natural chemical make up of the plant and the other problems it causes in the body, all add to the contribution that smoking and also chewing tobacco make towards gum disease. One thing that is known about smoking is that it poisons the blood flow, our gums need a good flow of blood to get Oxygen and vitamins so that they can do their job properly. The lack of these substances is a major cause of gum disease, and that usually goes hand in hand with the fact that smokers are in general, poor in oral hygiene care. The gums are there for a reason and that reason is to protect the part of the tooth that lies beneath the gums, once this is exposed through the deterioration of the gum tissue it cannot be repaired. Receding gums are a major cause of tooth loss, infections and mouth cancer in smokers and people with a poor regime in oral hygiene. Oral hygiene isn’t about mouth washing, brushing and flossing, although all of these are very important, it is also about the chemical and drugs we put into our bodies through the mouth. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are not going to improve our oral hygiene, rather, they are going to add to the other problems and often inflame them. Recent research has confirmed that a strong association between smoking and gum disease is prevalent in our society, this is another reason to give up the weed and a wise one to boot.
March 3rd, 2010
A City of London dentist has given some good advice on how to deal with the problems in dental care that involve infections, and the pain and inconvenience that comes with them. A simple solution of antibiotics followed by a new regime of oral hygiene is a good start. It would be safe to assume that the old regime is not working, as most problems of infection in the mouth are caused by an insufficient method of cleaning the teeth. An abscess is generally caused by bacteria seeping into a cut on the gums, this in turn is the result of another gum infection that softens the tissue and makes it prone to abrasive cuts as a result of vigorous brushing. Just fixing the problem won’t usually make it go away, it will keep coming back. Tooth ache is also generally caused by an infection contracted in much the same manner. Gum disease is the long term effect of a lax regime in oral care, and it is the basis of most if not all of the problems we have with our teeth. The best way forward is to start cleaning out teeth the correct way, this will keep bacteria and acid production to a minimum and that in itself will be go a long way to keeping infection at bay. Gingivitis is a prolonged disease of the gums and is not curable, the best we can do is to keep it from progressing to a higher level, brushing throughout the day, flossing and rinsing after all meals and snacks is a good way of achieving this. It doesn’t have be a mouthwash every time, just drinking small amounts of water will stop acid build up, and chewing gum will also help to neutralise acid build up, and in turn tartar build up around the base of the teeth.
September 22nd, 2009
If you have an irritating sore on the inside of your mouth it is a good idea to make an appointment at a dentists to have it examined. Oral cancers first manifest themselves as sores or growths that do not disappear naturally. Oral cancers, which include cancer in any part of the mouth, tongue or throat can be life threatening if not caught and treated early so it is always advisable to visit a dentist if you are unsure.
Men are twice as likely to suffer form oral cancer as women, with those over the age of 50 being particularly at risk. Alcohol and tobacco can significantly increase your chances of contracting oral cancer, especially when used excessively. Smokers are a massive 600 times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers. But it is important to remember that oral cancer can affect people who don’t smoke and drink only in moderation.
The symptoms or oral cancer include: the development of white or red patches in the mouth, cases of unexplained bleeding of the gums or mouth lining, having difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing and swelling or unusual lumps developing in the mouth. Sudden and unexplained weight loss may also be a symptom.
There are of course more symptoms than described here so it really is best to consult a dentist. A London dentist will be able to check for oral cancer as part of your regular check up and can take a painless brush biopsy of any suspicious looking sores in the mouth and on the tongue. Patients who catch oral cancer early stand an 80 per cent chance of being successfully treated.
May 24th, 2009
Today, over 80% of people that die from cancer would still be alive if they had gotten adequate screening. Therefore, your Central London dentist can play a key role in helping detect oral cancers. In most cases, checking for oral cancer can be done during routine yearly dental exams. These tests are painless and inexpensive.
When you visit your dentist each year, he/she should look and feel for signs of tumours in the soft tissue and gums inside your mouth. You may also be required to have X-rays done every few years in order to make sure that bone tumours are not developing. If you already have other types of cancer, you may need to have X-rays more often.
Strangely enough, many people that have cancer actually suspect it years before they go for screening. Unfortunately, fear, and misunderstanding about cancer therapies prevents people from getting treatment at a time when it will do the most good. Typically, when a cancer is caught in the earliest stages, it may not even be necessary to have extensive chemotherapy and radiation. In particular, when it come to oral cancer, a simple removal of small tumours may ensure a full lifetime without any further resurgences.
There is no question that early screening for cancer, as well as taking preventive measures can save your life. If you smoke, or drink alcohol, you should make having an oral cancer exam your top priority. This will also be an ideal time to ask your dentist about preventaive measures. In many cases, your dentist may be able to give you some advice about vitamins or supplements that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. He/She can also give you plenty of advice about dental products to stay away from, as well as how to take care of your mouth and teeth in the best way possible.
July 19th, 2008
Ever walk around the streets of London with a piece of spinach stuck between your teeth? Rather embarrassing, isn’t it. And as funny as that may sound, in terms of dental hygiene it’s a prime example, a euphemism if you want, of the way in which things can go wrong if left unattended.
The subject here is of course interdental teeth cleaning, or in layman’s terms: cleaning between your teeth. And, even though it is one of the major causes of gum disease, tooth decay and gingivitis, it’s one of those dental hygiene practices that remain neglected by a vast majority of the general population. Rather ironic, wouldn’t you say?
So, what happens to things stuck between your teeth? Quite simply put, the plaque already on your teeth has bacteria that convert food particles into acids which in turn has the ability to dissolve proteins, calcium and enamel (all of which form part of that brilliant white smile). Now, the rather sad thing is that statistics from both London and the whole of the United Kingdom indicate that about 60%-75% of all adults suffer from some form of gum disease which can be attributed to incorrect dental hygiene. And if this is not enough to grab your attention, then all you need to do is look at a couple of images that show the results of prolonged neglect of interdental teeth cleaning. They are shocking!
That being said, you’ll agree that those twice a year recommended dentist visits are there for a reason. Additionally you might want to consider what methods you employ to clean your teeth and in between them. Do you floss? Do you use interdental toothbrushes or dental sticks? These things are all available in just about any off-licence and supermarket throughout London and the United Kingdom and are there to not only protect your teeth, but your whole mouth.
July 19th, 2008
As I took a stroll down the one of the streets in London W1, I just couldn’t help but wonder about the condition of the gums of the people I meet. I really can’t help it. I am a dentist anyway. Well, so far a lot of people were at definite risk for heart disease so, I assumed, there may also be a problem with their gums. Others looked healthy enough, so they probably cleaned their gums and teeth regularly.Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the importance of taking of their teeth. I am not only referring to London but to all parts of the world as well. In fact, based on surveys conducted about the proper oral hygiene, only 15% brush their teeth only once a day and consider this enough for them. Among those who brush their teeth, a staggering 29% clean their teeth for less than a minute. This kind of practice increases their risk for having gum disease, and other major heart, kidney, or lung disease.
People in London should be made aware of what the consequences of not taking proper care of their teeth. I wonder how this can be done but I guess, with a little imagination and the right instruction on how to care for the oral cavity and its structures, not only limited to teeth, much can be achieved. But something should definitely be done about it. I feel it my personal responsibility to make sure everyone has clean teeth and healthy gums. I hope that they do cooperate.
June 21st, 2008
Oral cancer is a form cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth or around the mouth. Most of the oral cancers have its beginning in the tongue and some from the floor of the mouth. Man who is older in age seems to be the predisposing factor for oral cancer. Tobacco smoking and consummation of alcohol will further increase the risk of oral cancer. The sixth most common occurring malignancy in the world is the oral and the pharyngeal cancer.
The mouth cancer foundation of UK reported 7696 cases of mouth cancers in 2004, a large number of them died a year later. The mortality rate for mouth cancer is high despite treatment. The death rate can be as high as 50% with treatment. The high death rate is because most of the mouth cancers are discovered late. Research in UK revealed that every 3 hours there is a person died from oral cancer. Recently it was found that more young people in London are getting mouth cancer.
Therefore it is important to educate the people in UK especially those in the city like London about early detection of this disease. One of the effective ways is to create self awareness about mouth cancers. Regular self examinations of oral cavity can lead to early identification.
Below are some of the symptoms that may lead to oral cancers:
1. An ulcer or sore in the mouth that does not heal after 3 weeks.
2. A sore throat which last more than 2 months with/without treatment.
3. A swelling or lump that is felt or seen in the mouth or around the neck for more than 3 weeks.
4. A pale or whitish patch on the tongue, inner cheek or on the gums.
5. Persistent difficulty in swallowing liquid.
6. Persistent hoarseness of voice for 2 months especially those who smoke and drink alcohol heavily.
7. Experiencing difficulty in moving the jaw and loose teeth.
8. Feeling that something is inside the throat while swallowing.
9. Sensation of numbness in the mouth or some part of the tongue.
10. One sided mass felt in the nostril with blood stained discharge.
Please visit your dentist or doctor when the above symptoms are noted.
You can further reduce the risks of suffering from oral cancers by doing the following:
a. Eating a healthier diet with less fat, less red meat, plenty of vegetables and fruits.
b. Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
c. No excessive alcohol drinking.
d. Regular dental check up at yearly interval.
Early detection equates better cure rate and thus higher chance of survival. There are many modes of treatment for oral cancer. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Sometimes effective treatment may use a combination of these treatments
