subject: Dentist Visits Can Save Your Life [print this page] Many people are wary of visiting their dentist but the next time you make the effort to visit your local surgery it might just save your life.
Medical research has recently revealed that someone in the United Kingdom dies every five hours from oral cancer but the survival rate is greatly increased if the malignant tumour is detected as early as possible.
Mouth cancer is so common in Britain that more people die from the disease than the combined number of people who lose their battle with cervical cancer and testicular cancer.
The western societal lifestyle is largely responsible for the fact that mouth cancer is the fastest growing form of cancer suffered by people under 40 years of age so it is important that people understand how to reduce the risk of illness.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are the main factors that contribute towards the development of mouth cancer so it is essential that people try to reduce their intake of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
People who are both regular smokers and drinkers are much more likely to develop oral cancer because they act together to cause maximum damage to the mouth as well as the lungs and throat.
A poor diet that includes a lot of processed and salty meat can also increase the risk of mouth cancer so it is important to try and consume plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and foods that contain antioxidants.
Oral cancer can occur in either gender, at any age but there are many ways to lessen the chance of contracting such diseases and this is where your dentist can help save your life.
Maintaining optimum oral hygiene is increasingly important for combating cancer as a lack of regular brushing and flossing has been linked to fatal illnesses such as heart disease.
Visiting your dentist at least once every six months will allow them to identify any issues that you might need to address in terms of hygiene, cosmetic or restorative work that may need doing.
Your dentist will be able to properly advise you on how to improve your oral hygiene routine so that you can decrease your chances of tooth decay and other mouth-related diseases.
So the next time that you are thinking about visiting your dentist for a six monthly check-up, remember not to delay as it could be the most important visit that you make in your life.
