Did you know that over 300 cases of cancer of the mouth are detected in Ireland each year?

Mouth Cancer is the 6 th most common type of cancer in Ireland. If detected early, these cancers are easily treated. Unfortunately oral cancers are usually detected late in Ireland, as the general population do not attend the dentist frequently enough .

 How often do you attend the dentist? There is a common misconception that you don’t need to go to the dentist unless you have a toothache and especially if you have no teeth of your own!

If you wear dentures, or haven’t been to a dentist in a long time, Dr. Rachael Frazer, of Frazer Dental in Kingscourt urges you to attend their free oral cancer screening event on September 21st, National Oral Cancer Awareness Day. We are proudly hosting this event in conjunction with the Irish Dental Association & Irish Cancer Society.

Dr. Rachael Frazer & her award winning dental practice, Frazer Dental, in Kingscourt , which features 3 dentists , an oral surgeon and an orthodontist, are offering free oral cancer checks for everyone on the day.  The examination is quick and painless. You don’t have to be a regular patient of practice to attend. Please take this opportunity by taking 10 minutes to do something that could save your life.

Dr Frazer , winner of Ulster’s Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist of the Year 2015, welcomes all nervous patients to attend her dental practice. We understand at Frazer Dental that many folk have a fear of the dentist and may have put if off for a long time. Our practice is a friendly relaxed environment, so there is no need to be nervous. Simply give Frazer Dental a call on 042 9668929 to arrange your complimentary oral cancer check.

Dr Frazer outlines the main signs and symptoms of oral cancer below:

• An ulcer that doesn’t heal or that bleeds , for more than 14 days
• A growth , lump or thickening of the skin or lining of the mouth or lips
• Loose teeth
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Tongue pain
• Jaw stiffness or pain
• Difficulty eating or chewing
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Sore throat
• A white or red patch in the mouth

 

Risk Factors for oral cancer :

1.Tobacco use – cigarettes, pipes , cigars, snuff

2.Heavy Alcohol Use

3.Using alcohol and tobacco together greatly increases your risk

4.Excessive sun exposure on lips (lip cancer is very common in farmers and anyone who spends most of their time outside)

5.A weakened immune system

6. A diet low in fruit and vegetables

7.Viral infections such as HPV( human papillomavirus) which is spread through oral sex

8. Men are more likely than women to develop mouth cancer, and it tends to affect older people rather than younger individuals.

What should you do if you suspect oral cancer?

Attend your general dentist who can examine your mouth and advise you best. You can minimise your risk of developing oral cancer by attending your dentist at least once per year even if you have no remaining natural teeth.

‘An oral cancer screen is part of every dental check up at Frazer Dental in Kingscourt. It could save your life! ‘ explains Dr Frazer.

Please note that your annual dental check up may be covered through your PRSI or medical card.

You can find out more about oral cancer on the Frazer Dental website www.frazerdental.ie under our ‘ news and blog’ section and on the Mouth Cancer Awareness Ireland website. www.mouthcancerawareness.ie