Raising Awareness for Mouth Cancer Action Month in North Wales

Awareness starts with action, and this November, Mouth Cancer Action Month gives us the perfect opportunity to do just that. 

At Glandwr Dental Practice, your trusted dentist in North Wales, we’re passionate about protecting our patients’ smiles and saving lives through education, prevention, and early detection. With friendly and professional dental teams in Penrhyndeudraeth, Pwllheli, and Cemaes Bay, we’re here to help you take simple, effective steps towards better oral health and a lower risk of mouth cancer.

Why Mouth Cancer Action Month Matters

Organised by the Oral Health Foundation, Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to raise awareness of one of the UK’s fastest-growing cancers. Unfortunately, the number of cases continues to rise, with 10,825 new diagnoses last year alone, marking a 38% increase in just a decade and 133% over the past 20 years. Alarmingly, 53% of mouth cancers occur on the tongue and tonsils, and 3,637 lives were lost to the disease in the UK last year.

These statistics are sobering, but there’s also hope. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, and many cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes. As a community-focused dentist in North Wales, Glandwr Dental Practice is proud to play an important role in both prevention and education, helping patients understand how to protect their oral health.

Understanding the Causes of Mouth Cancers

Although the exact causes of mouth cancers aren’t always known, studies show that up to 90% are linked to lifestyle factors. This means we have the power to reduce our risk by making small but impactful changes.

• Smoking: Smokers are up to ten times more likely to develop mouth cancer than non-smokers. Around two-thirds of cases are directly linked to tobacco use.
• Alcohol: Drinking heavily increases the risk by nearly 30%.
• Smoking and drinking together: This combination multiplies the risk dramatically, up to three times higher than for those who do neither.

Other potential contributors include poor diet, the human papillomavirus (HPV), and excessive sun exposure (which can increase the risk of lip cancer).

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Regular dental check-ups are one of the most effective ways to catch early warning signs. At Glandwr Dental Practice, our experienced team provides comprehensive oral cancer screening as part of your routine examination. This quick, painless check takes less than a minute but can make a truly life-saving difference.

If it’s been more than 12 months since your last dental visit, it’s time to get back on track. Our dentists in Penrhyndeudraeth, Pwllheli, and Cemaes Bay are ready to welcome you with compassionate care and professional expertise. Through consistent preventive dentistry, we can help identify potential issues early and offer tailored advice to maintain a healthy mouth and body.

Know the Warning Signs

Knowing what to look for is key to early detection. Here are the main symptoms to watch out for:

• Ulcers that do not heal after three weeks
• Persistent red or white patches in the mouth
• Lumps, swellings, or changes in texture around the lips, cheeks, or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness

If you experience any of these, don’t wait, get in touch with Glandwr Dental Practice immediately. It’s always better to have something checked and put your mind at ease than to delay and risk progression.

How You Can Get Involved

Getting involved in Mouth Cancer Action Month doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make a big difference by taking small actions that help spread awareness and improve oral health:

1. Book your check-up: Schedule an appointment at Glandwr Dental Practice for a routine exam and oral cancer screening.
2. Share information: Talk to your friends and family about the signs, symptoms, and causes of mouth cancers.
3. Live healthier: Reduce alcohol intake, quit smoking, and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
4. Support awareness events: Participate in community activities or fundraising events that support the Oral Health Foundation’s campaign.

Prevention Starts with Awareness

At Glandwr Dental Practice, we’re passionate about protecting our community through patient education and early intervention. Our focus on preventive dentistry helps you stay one step ahead of potential issues, ensuring long-term oral health and well-being.

This November, make your health your priority. By taking part in Mouth Cancer Action Month, booking your next dental appointment, and learning more about the risks and symptoms, you could help save your own life or someone else’s.

If it’s been over a year since your last check-up, don’t wait any longer, contact Glandwr Dental Practice today. Together, we can fight mouth cancer through awareness, prevention, and early detection.