Have you noticed a lot of blue lips around lately? And not just because the temperatures have taken a nosedive! This November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, and as part of the campaign to raise awareness of this disease, #BlueLipSelfies have been doing the rounds on social media.
In the UK last year alone, over 7,000 people were diagnosed with mouth cancer and 2,000 lost their lives. Unfortunately, this is the one of the small number of cancers actually expected to increase in cases over the coming years.
But regular dental screenings and simple lifestyle changes can help prevent this devastating illness. So we’re asking our Number 18 Dental patients to join our team and take their own selfie and tweet it to us @Number18Dental using the hashtag #BlueLipSelfie! Let us know you’re taking a stand against mouth cancer.
How to prevent mouth cancer
You might have seen our blog post back in September about 4 ways to cut your mouth cancer risk. But although there are risk factors – namely drinking, smoking, HPV and poor diet – the reality is anybody could get this disease.
Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment. So here are some tips from the Oral Health Foundation on when to seek advice:
- If you have an ulcer, don’t leave it unattended for more than three weeks
- If you notice any persistent swellings or lumps, speak to your dentist or doctor
- If you see red or white patches in your mouth, be sure to get it checked out
You will know what is normal for your mouth, so if you notice any changes, it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible. Early detection really does save lives.
Book your dental check up
There are plenty of ways to get involved with Mouth Cancer Action Month. However you choose to stand up to cancer, one of the most important steps for your wellbeing is to get regular dental check-ups.
Whether you’re new to the Notting Hill area or a regular patient, book your next appointment with Number 18 Dental today and be #MouthAware.
