“First line of attack”

25 November 2015
Volume 31 · Issue 6

Dental hygienists and those dually qualified in dental hygiene therapy (DHT’s) are playing a key role in early mouth cancer diagnoses as they are able to check for the warning signs in places which are hard for patients to normally see.

As such the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) is urging everyone to ensure they have regular visits to their dental team to ensure they are protected from mouth cancer.

Mouth cancer cases have increased by a third in the last decade alone and cases now stand at more than 7,000 per year in the UK.

Michaela ONeill, president of the BSDHT, said of the important role dental hygienists and DHT’s can play: “Mouth cancer is an increasingly common problem in Britain and much of this can be attributed to the rise of human papilloma (HPV) related mouth cancer.”

“HPV is the world’s fastest increasing STI and one of the leading causes of mouth cancer.

“Many mouth cancers caused by HPV originate in the back of the mouth, in areas which patients may find it difficult to see in the mirror. This is where dental hygienists and DHT’s are able to detect cases which may be missed otherwise.

“With mouth cancer, early detection is extremely vital as it can give you a near 90 per cent chance of survival. If you present with symptoms that you have been unaware of or have left for too long, your chances of surviving can drastically drop to 50 per cent.

“Since some tumours are often hidden dentists and dental hygienists and DHT’s are becoming the first line of attack in the fight against mouth cancer, we are perfectly placed to catch mouth cancers early enough to make a difference to a person’s survival and quality of life.”

The BSDHT is supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month throughout November, a campaign which aims to raise awareness of mouth cancer and make a difference by saving thousands of lives through early detection and prevention.

The society wants to emphasise the importance of regular dental check-ups in early diagnosis and also general oral health too.

“Mouth cancer takes more lives in the UK every year than cervical and testicular cancer combined yet awareness is worryingly low,” continued Michaela.

“This is why we are trying to raise awareness levels and reduce the amount of lives affected by this terrible disease.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. It can affect things we take for granted such as eating, drinking, speaking and even breathing. And can also lead to other problems such as nutritional deficiency, and depression. 

“We want everyone to be aware of the main signs and symptoms: mouth ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red or while patches in the mouth and any unusual swellings in the head and neck area. And ensure that if they have any of them to visit their dental practice or doctor straightaway.

“During every dental appointment we will carry out a visual mouth cancer check looking for these signs so make sure that you visit them regularly to get assessed.”