At Smilecraft, we’re dedicated to preserving the health and well-being of our patients in Stevenage by offering comprehensive mouth cancer screening. This proactive approach allows us to identify any potential issues early, providing the opportunity for successful treatment. As a local dental practice, we’re deeply invested in the community and understand the importance of these screenings. With the alarming rise in mouth cancer cases, it’s integral to have regular checks. Through mouth cancer screening Stevenage residents can take an active part in their health, becoming more informed and aware. We believe it’s crucial to promote understanding about this issue. Knowledge is power, and with power, comes the ability to make a profound impact on your health. So, let us guide you in safeguarding your health with our professional and compassionate dental care services.

Introduction to Smilecraft’s Commitment

At Smilecraft, our commitment extends beyond regular dental care. We’re devoted to the overall oral health of our community in Stevenage. Our priority is ensuring your smile is not just aesthetically pleasing, but a sign of genuine health. Our highly trained team takes our responsibility seriously. It’s our mission to provide mouth cancer screening in Stevenage, educating patients, and encouraging regular checks. We maintain an environment of trust and comfort where patients feel at ease discussing their concerns. As your local dental practice, we understand the unique needs of our community. Through our mouth cancer screening, we’re contributing to the early detection and successful treatment of this disease. Trust us to be your partners in health, ensuring a future of bright and healthy smiles.

What is Mouth Cancer Screening?

Mouth cancer screening is a simple yet vital exam performed by our team at Smilecraft. It’s designed to spot early signs of mouth cancer, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. During the procedure, we carefully examine the inside of your mouth to check for potential abnormalities. This includes looking for sores, red or white patches, or any irregularities in the tissue. Our dental professionals are trained to identify these signs, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Remember, early detection is key in the battle against mouth cancer. By opting for regular mouth cancer screening, you’re taking a proactive step towards protecting your health.

Why Regular Screenings are Essential

Regular screenings are essential in early detection of mouth cancer. At Smilecraft, we encourage our patients to incorporate these checks into their routine dental care. Sadly, mouth cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages, making treatment more challenging. Regular screenings allow us to spot potential issues before they progress, improving the chances of successful treatment. We urge our patients to prioritise their health by attending these screenings. Remember, your health is invaluable, and with our mouth cancer screening in Stevenage, we can provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. Together, let’s stand strong against mouth cancer.

Our Comprehensive Screening Process

At Smilecraft, we pride ourselves on our thorough and professional mouth cancer screening process. We conduct a detailed examination of your mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. Our highly skilled team utilises advanced techniques and equipment, ensuring that any potential signs are not missed. We also discuss any symptoms you may have experienced, such as persistent sores or unexplained oral discomfort. If any abnormalities are found, we guide you through the next steps with care and compassion, arranging further tests if necessary. Through our comprehensive mouth cancer screening, Stevenage residents can ensure they’re taking the best possible care of their oral health.

Join Us at Smilecraft for Peace of Mind

Join our family at Smilecraft, where we prioritise your peace of mind. Our commitment to regular mouth cancer screening ensures Stevenage residents receive the best preventive care. We’re here to guide you through every step, providing a safe and welcoming environment where your health is our utmost priority. Our experienced team is here to answer any questions and alleviate any concerns. Remember, early detection is vital and can significantly increase your chances for successful treatment. So, come on in and take control of your health with us. Together, we can create a future of healthy, radiant smiles.

At Smilecraft, we place a paramount emphasis on proactive healthcare, particularly when it comes to the timely identification of potential issues. Amid the realm of health concerns, one that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves is mouth cancer. By understanding the significance of mouth cancer screening in Stevenage, we equip ourselves with the means to identify early signs, enabling swift intervention and improved outcomes. Within this discourse, we’ll underscore the critical importance of cancer screening and provide insights into its procedure and benefits.

Understanding the significance of screening

Mouth cancer, medically known as oral cancer, can have severe implications if not detected in its early stages. This form of cancer can affect various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Timely detection is key to successful treatment, making oral cancer screening an essential aspect of preventive healthcare.

The procedure: what to expect

Mouth cancer screening in Stevenage is a non-invasive procedure that involves a thorough examination of the oral cavity. During a screening, a qualified healthcare professional, often a dentist or oral specialist, will carefully examine the mouth for any abnormalities, lesions, or unusual growths. This examination is generally quick and painless, and it plays a pivotal role in identifying any potential areas of concern.

Benefits of early detection

The benefits of oral cancer screening are profound. Detecting oral cancer at an early stage significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Early intervention can lead to less invasive treatment options, improved quality of life during treatment, and a higher likelihood of preserving oral function and appearance.

Moreover, early detection can have a substantial impact on treatment outcomes. It can reduce the need for aggressive treatments, such as extensive surgery or radiation therapy, which can have considerable physical and emotional effects on patients. By identifying oral cancer in its initial phases, the medical team can tailor treatment plans to be more targeted and effective.

Who should undergo oral cancer screening?

Screening is recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk due to various factors. These factors may include a history of tobacco or alcohol use, prolonged sun exposure (which can affect the lips), a family history of oral cancer, or certain genetic predispositions. However, it’s important to note that everyone can benefit from regular screenings, as oral cancer can affect anyone, even those without apparent risk factors.

Frequency of screenings

The frequency of mouth cancer screening in Stevenage may vary depending on individual risk factors and the recommendations of healthcare professionals. For those at a higher risk, more frequent screenings might be advised. Generally, individuals should discuss their risk factors and screening schedule with their healthcare provider to ensure comprehensive preventive care.

Conclusion

Prioritising early detection through oral cancer screening is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being. By recognizing the significance of regular screenings, we take a proactive step towards safeguarding ourselves from the potential impacts of oral cancer. If you have concerns about oral health or are considering an oral cancer screening, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced healthcare professionals at Smilecraft. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to guide you on the path to optimal health.

Mouth cancer is a major health issue in many parts of the world. Mouth cancer is increasing and despite advances in medicine, death rates are still high, therefore it is important that regular mouth cancer screening is carried out to help control this devastating disease. Here at Smilecraft we offer mouth cancer screening Stevenage. We recommend that you undergo mouth cancer screening Stevenage once a year to make sure that your mouth is healthy and that there are no underlying issues which may be affecting the health of your mouth, teeth or gums or your overall health in general.

Risk factors and how to prevent them

There are two main causes of mouth cancer. Firstly, mouth cancer seems to occur as a result of a range of lifestyle choices including smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol above recommended levels. 75% of mouth cancers are caused in this way. The remaining cases occur as a result of exposure to the human papillomavirus or HPV. over the last few decades there has been an increase in mouth cancer in young people and especially females.

If you cut down on alcohol and stop smoking then this can help reduce your chances of developing mouth cancer. Practising safe sex helps reduce chances of infection by HPV and this can also help prevent the development of mouth cancer. Speak to us at Smilecraft privately and confidentially to find out more about mouth cancer screening Stevenage.

The importance of early diagnosis

The stage at which mouth cancer is detected has a significant effect on overall survival. If it is detected at stage 1 then there is a 90% 2 year survival rate. Unfortunately nearly two thirds of mouth cancers are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. By this time the cancer has most likely spread and only 45% of people survive for at least two years with high treatment-related morbidity amongst those who do. Delays in diagnosis of mouth cancer is the main cause of patients having more advanced stages of the disease. There are different signs and symptoms to look out for with mouth cancer, a red or white patch, ulcer or lump in the mouth that wasn’t there before is an early sign. These symptoms last for more than a few weeks. If you notice such symptoms then it is important that you speak to us at Smilecraft and enquire about mouth cancer screening Stevenage immediately. We have specialist training to detect early signs of mouth cancer. We can examine your mouth thoroughly and are able to see the parts of your mouth which you are not able to examine yourself. If mouth cancer can be diagnosed early then it can be treated quickly and successfully.

Book an appointment for mouth cancer screening here at Smilecraft in Stevenage and let us carry out a comprehensive examination of your mouth to make sure that you have good oral health, and that there are no underlying concerns so that you can enjoy peace of mind and continue to look after your mouth with a healthy lifestyle and stay safe from such disease.

Never something we want to think about, but can really make all the difference. Mouth cancer screening Stevenage is one of the key roles we perform at our dental practice.

Oral carcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer in smokers. Thankfully, they are also common to recover from and relatively easy to operate on if necessary, but early detection is one of the biggest factors in the prognosis. Screening is part of the standard 6-monthly check-up at our clinic; it is carried out based on observation looking for odd formation of tissue or the start of suspicious growths. Not only are these growths usually painless, but can occur quite slowly meaning patients would not notice of their own volition. Growths that do cause any kind of discomfort or rubbing, are usually put down to other things like mouth ulcers or minor gum disease .

High risk groups

There is a strong connection between those consuming high alcohol content spirits whilst smoking, as a dual risk to developing mouth cancer. Regular consumption of alcohol disrupts oral tissues allowing carcinogenic products, such as smoke, to penetrate into a tissue. If you are in a high-risk group it is recommended that you get screened once a year, so your twice yearly check-up and mouth cancer screening Stevenage would have you covered. If anything is of concern you should follow up with your standard physician or GP and we would be happy to provide a statement of our observations if they require it.

Just mouth ulcers?

Due to the prevalence of misdiagnosing tumours as chronic mouth ulcers, if you have been suffering with a mouth ulcer that has not responded to treatment after 4 weeks of medicated mouthwashes and self-care, please book yourself in for an appointment as soon as possible.  There are several prescription medications that we can provide to relieve chronic mouth ulcers, as well as ensuring that it is nothing more serious.

If you are concerned about the risk of mouth cancer for yourself or any of your loved ones, please feel free to book an appointment at our clinic, as we would prefer to give you an all clear and have you put off your concerns. There is no harm in double checking.

Dental phobias

We understand that attending the clinic can be particularly difficult if you have a dental aversion or deep distrust of dentistry in general, but if you do have a suspicious growth, it is very important to have it checked out. You do not have to consent to any further work if you do not wish to. Our mouth cancer screening Stevenage is not there to make you feel guilty or to judge you, simply to help provide some guidance towards better overall health and to ensure that you do not have any greater issues that need to be addressed.

Feel free to contact the clinic in order to find out more information. We are always empathetic to the needs of nervous patients, taking each patient’s care at the pace they require.

Early detection is the best way to dramatically increase your chances of a full recovery when it comes to cancer and mouth cancer is no exception. There have been studies that have shown that this condition is on the rise, so by receiving a mouth cancer screening Stevenage, you can put your mind at ease and ensure that you are not only cleared or made aware of something of concern, you are given the tools and know-how to identify lesions of concern and know when to contact a dentist for further advice at a later stage.

During an initial consultation with one of our professionals in our practice, you will automatically undergo a mouth cancer screening Stevenage. Should anything concern you during your time with us, then we warmly and urgently invite you to speak with us so that we can perform further checks to ensure you are all clear.

How does a screening take place?

Mouth cancer screening Stevenage is a short procedure that involves palpations of all areas of the mouth, jaw and neck. A thorough examination takes place to check for any lumps and lesions and we talk you through what you need to look out for and know.

We recommend that you undergo this fast and convenient check-up every year and we carry out this treatment every time you see us because it takes such little of your time and alleviates any concern on both your part and our own. If you have any concerns or questions, there is always time during an appointment where you can talk with us and you can, of course, take advantage of this.

What are some signs to look out for?

If you have a lesion, ulcer or pain that just isn’t going away, then you should certainly get this checked out, even if it is not within the time frame of your regular biannual dental appointments. Sores and lumps should get checked out and our experienced professionals know what to look for and how to identify any of these conditions accurately for you. We are always of the belief that it is better to err on the side of caution, given that late detection of the disease is responsible for taking some 2,700 lives in the UK each year.

Rather than instilling fear in our patients, something that we are not interested in doing, we look to educate and activate individuals so that you can be prepared and knowledgeable about your own health and wellbeing.

Cancer is a daunting experience and it is likely we all know someone who has faced the battle, if not ourselves. Only through candid, open conversations and active checks are we able to address issues early and get cancer detected before it gets away on us. This way, with correct treatment, many of us are able to overcome the condition and go on to lead healthy, productive lives once again.

Let’s normalise screening for mouth cancer and be a part of the preventive solution that gives life and hope back to many.

Thousands of people suffer from mouth cancer each year. Occasionally people will ignore the symptoms that they have and neglect going for a mouth cancer screening in Stevenage which will only make their situation worse. It is recommended that you go for one of these screenings at least once a year so your dental professional can make sure that your mouth is in a healthy condition and will be able to pick up on any early signs of cancer development.

At Smilecraft Dental Care we acknowledge that this can be more than just a difficult subject for some people to approach, so our dental practitioners are on hand to make you feel as comfortable and reassured as possible. They will be able to mind your mind at ease by answering the questions you pose to them, and they will be able to tell you what steps you need to take next if the results of your screening are not what you wanted to hear.

Do what you can to stay healthy

There are several things that can be done to decrease your chances of suffering from cancer of the mouth. The first thing most health practitioners will advise you to do is to stop smoking, as this is the number one cause of more than one cancer. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is also incredibly bad for you and this can lead to cancer cells becoming more aggressive.

Eating a well-balanced diet will help maintain a strong and healthy mouth too, so having variety in your diet and making sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables will help keep cancer at bay. By visiting us at Smilecraft Dental Care just once a year to have a mouth cancer screening in Stevenage you will be letting us help you to stay on top of your overall health as well as just your oral health. 

Symptoms of mouth cancer

There are several signs that you may be suffering from mouth cancer, such as white or red patches on the tongue and around the mouth. You could also be suffering from mouth ulcers that are not healing or going away after a few weeks have passed. Numbness in your mouth maybe something that you are experiencing, or your teeth could be starting to come loose in their sockets.

Having a mouth cancer screening in Stevenage if you notice any of these early signs could confirm or deny whether you have cancer. It will scan your mouth for any lesions or lumps that have formed at all, whether they are on their tongue, the roof of your mouth or your cheek does not matter. For some people this is the most challenging part, as it is taking the first step of what may become a very long journey. The earlier you can catch it the easier it will be to get the right treatment that you need and resolve your problems sooner. Our dentists will ensure that you get a completely professional yet friendly experience when you visit our practice for your screening.

It’s not just decay and gum disease that show up pretty regularly in people’s mouths, cancer does too. In fact, cancers of the head and neck are on the increase and the number of cases has increased by 30% in the last 20 years and is expected to rise by a similar figure again by 2035. In Europe, about 100,800 people are diagnosed with mouth cancers and 40,000 die of these cancers.

What is mouth cancer?

Mouth, or oral, cancer is a cover all term for a variety of tumours that can appear around the lips, the throat, the palate, the gums, the salivary glands and inside the cheeks. The most common kind of cancer in these areas arises from the surface cells of the skin and is called squamous cell cancer.

There are also throat cancers, and cancers in the sinuses.

Cancers of the throat and mouth can appear and spread very quickly, so it is important to get screened regularly, especially as you get older.

What happens at a mouth cancer screening?

When you come to Smilecraft in Stevenage, we include mouth cancer screening as part of a regular 6-monthly check-up on every patient aged 16 and over. Screenings only take a couple of minutes to carry out.

We will wear gloves while we examine you and we will be looking at your face and neck for abnormalities like swellings, moles, asymmetry and abnormalities.

After that, we will move on to look around your lips and the edges of your mouth for any changes in colour or texture.

Next we will have a good feel of the lymph nodes in your neck and around your lower jaw under your chin, checking for any swellings and enlargements. We will also look inside your mouth for any unusual swellings or lesions. We will look inside your cheeks, around your gums, at your tongue, under your tongue, at the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat.

If you wear dentures, you will need to take them out for this examination.

Mouth cancers are strongly linked to smoking, and we can help you quit with our smoking cessation programme.

It is not just gum disease and tooth decay that can appear in your mouth when you least expect it. Mouth cancer can also show up, which is why at Smilecraft in Stevenage, mouth cancer screening comes as part of your regular twice-yearly check-up.

You may think you won’t get mouth cancer, but this is in fact the sixth most common cancer in the world. It used to be much less common in the UK, but now it is on the rise.

The numbers

Cancer Research UK has figures that show that over the last decade, the number of people dying from mouth cancer has risen by 21%, to about 2,700 deaths a year, with similar increases among both men and women. UK death rates are expected to rise by 38% between 2014-2035, to seven deaths per 100,000 people by 2035.

Why does mouth cancer occur?

It is not just smokers who get mouth cancer. It has also been linked to not eating enough fruit and veg and drinking alcohol, in that order. Experts predict that mouth cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) transmitted through oral sex will become the main cause of mouth cancer.

The good news is that, it is easy to detect early signs of mouth cancer, and, if it is caught early, it can often be cured with relatively minor surgery.

Picking up on the signs

We will carefully check the linings of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth (palate), the lips, and gums. We will also check your salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx – the part of the throat that connects your mouth to your windpipe, although cancer here happens more rarely.

Mouth cancers show up as:

• painful mouth ulcers that don’t heal;
• strange and persistent lumps;
• strange lumps in the neck;
• loose teeth, or sockets that won’t heal after extractions;
• lips or tongue that feels numb or odd;
• red or white patches;
• changes in speech, such as a lisp.

Mouth cancer is more likely to affect drinkers and smokers, and this may be why more men get it than women, and why it is more prevalent in people over 50 and younger than 74.