Oral Health Foundation

Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund lauched to support the future of dental nursing

When former Oral Health Foundation President Janet Goodwin sadly passed away in October 2020 she left behind a great legacy.  It is in recognition of this that the Oral Health Foundation have joined together with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) to launch the Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund.

An influential figure within oral health, Janet spent much of her career championing the importance of education and the career development of dental nurses.  It is for this reason that it seemed only fitting for a memorial fund be set up in her name to further that cause.

The Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund will support dental nursing students and registered dental nurses with bursaries for the development of their careers. For dental nursing students, this might take the form of financial help with their education, while qualified dental nurses can apply for support with post-graduate studies.

The Oral Health Foundation and BADN hopes the new series of grants can help provide much needed financial support for individuals pursuing a career in dental nursing.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes the fund goes straight to the heart of Janet’s work.

Dr Carter says: “I would like to think Janet would be really proud by a project like this. During her distinguished career, Janet battled hard for her profession and made fantastic strides in boosting the visibility of dental nursing amongst the profession and the public.

“Janet was a terrific ambassador for her fellow dental nurses and what better way to honour that than through a fund which will help dental nurses further their careers. By providing support for our future dental nurses, as well as current ones, this fund will help secure a stronger and brighter future for dentistry as a whole.”

Janet was used to breaking down barriers during her career and was passionate about improving the oral health of people up and down the country.

In 2015, Janet became the first dental nurse to be elected President of the Oral Health Foundation in the charity’s nearly 50-year history. She also was the first dental nurse admitted to the General Dental Council. Always looking for new challenges, Janet was also Chair of the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses – on the second dental nurse to hold that position – and later employed by the NEBDN as Qualifications Manager.

Janet was a long-time active member, and Fellow, of the British Association of Dental Nurses and was also a recipient of their ‘Outstanding Contribution to Dental Nursing Award’.

Jacqui Elsden, President of the British Association of Dental Nurses, adds: “It is without doubt that Janet will be truly missed across the Dental community. She was a wonderful advocate for our dental nursing profession, particularly for dental nurse education and oral health care.  I feel immensely proud to be part of the collaboration leading to the founding of the Fund in her memory. It will be a unique opportunity for dental nurses to begin or further their career in dental nursing and inspire a new generation.”

To find out more about the Janet Goodwin Memorial Fund and to make a donation, visit www.dentalhealth.org/janetgoodwin.

Lockdown forces Brits to become their own DIY dentists

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the UK’s oral health, according to the findings of new research.

An investigation by the Oral Health Foundation and Colgate shows that over half (55%) of British adults feel they have neglected their teeth during lockdown.

Around one-in-six (15%) admit to not brushing their teeth as much as before the pandemic while almost one-in-five (19%) say they haven’t been brushing their teeth twice a day.

According to the research, lockdown has also fuelled unhealthy eating and drinking habits.  One-in-five (20%) adults are now eating unhealthier foods and more than one-in-ten (11%) have been drinking more alcohol.

New data also shows more than 30 million adults in the UK have one or more fillings – an indicator of the prevalence of dental caries in the UK.  Analysis of the data suggests that as much as 84% of the population could be at increased risk of caries.

To help patients identify their risk of dental caries and help them prevent it, the Oral Health Foundation has launched a new online hub – The Truth About Tooth Decay – with the support of Colgate.

Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Nigel Carter OBE, believes more must be done to educate and motivate patients to prioritise their oral health.

Dr Carter says: “A worrying number of patients have neglected their oral health during the pandemic. This could have potentially lasting consequences, not only for the health of their mouth but for their general wellbeing also.

“The public’s awareness of what causes dental caries and how to prevent it, remains poor.  Yet, preventing oral diseases like caries is completely in their own hands.  All it takes is the correct care.

“Dental professionals have a key part to play in the education, prevention and management of dental caries inside and outside of the practice setting.  As part of the campaign, there are lots of patient-facing resources to download and share to help raise awareness of dental caries.  We believe this can have a significant impact on dental caries outcomes.”

Within the site, there is a dedicated portal for dental professionals.

The area includes guidance on how the dental team can help improve a patient’s awareness of caries, along with strategies for preventing caries, especially in moderate-to-high risk patients.

There is also advice about some of the treatments available, such as high fluoride toothpastes, and information about remote consultations and triage.

Scientific Affairs Project Manager at Colgate Emanuele Cotroneo, highlights the importance of the new online resource.

Dr Cotroneo says: “As leader in oral care, Colgate has a fundamental role to play in improving people’s oral health.  Colgate exerts this role by means of technological innovations and by partnering with the dental profession in ways that help them to meet the needs of their patients.

“The collaboration with the Oral Health Foundation is an example of Colgate’s commitment to its role in improving oral health. It is clear from this survey that these challenging times have affected the oral health habits of the UK population.

“Colgate reinforces the message from the Oral Health Foundation that oral health should not be neglected as it is a crucial part of your wellbeing and tightly linked with overall health.”

The joint research also shows that almost one-in-five (18%) have not seen a dentist for over two years, not just because of lockdown. 

Meanwhile, more than one-in-three (36%) have reported toothache during COVID-19, with nearly one-in-ten (9%) experiencing the pain for longer than two weeks.

To remedy this, a concerning number of patients are going online to find solutions to fix their own dental problems.  The findings show almost one-in-four (24%) have been online to fix oral health problems at home.

“Most of us in practice would have experience with a patient who has attempted DIY dentistry,” adds Dr Carter.  “We are extremely worried by the number of people now attempting their own dental solutions at home.  That’s why our aim with this new campaign is not only to raise awareness of dental caries but to help drive more people back in to the dental practice.

“Our findings tell us the people are still uncertain access to dentistry and about the safety of dental practices during COVID-19.  We are here to reassure patients, and the general public who might not attend check-ups regularly, that dentistry is a safe place to go and that any problems should be dealt with by a trained and qualified professional.”  

The Truth About Tooth Decay can be found at www.dentalhealth.org/thetruthabouttoothdecay.

REFERENCES

Oral Health Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive (2021) ‘Dental Caries Awareness Survey‘, UK, Broadcast Revolution, December 2020, Sample 2,008.

Leading oral health organisations team up with GSK to provide toothpaste to the vulnerable of Manchester

The Oral Health Foundation and the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy have teamed up with GSK to provide over 100,000 tubes of Sensodyne toothpaste to the vulnerable and those in need in Greater Manchester.

This mammoth community effort, facilitated by Manchester based charity Community 4X4, will see toothpaste distributed to places all over Greater Manchester. Those that will be receiving the toothpastes include homeless people, residents in care homes, people who use foodbanks and those who don’t have easy access to dental products or whom may have limited financial resources.

Talking about the impact that this donation will have, Emma Hall-Scullin, consultant dental public health, Public Health England North West, said: “Greater Manchester has some of the highest levels of tooth decay in the country and this is one of the many initiatives being undertaken to address this. Twice- daily toothbrushing is extremely important to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay.”

Dr Ben Atkins, President of the Oral Health Foundation, hopes this donation will go far in boosting the oral health of those in Manchester who otherwise might be struggling during this difficult time: “It’s vital that oral health is maintained, not just for health of the mouth but also for mental health as well. We hope that this donation of Sensodyne toothpaste will allow those that receive them to get all the benefits that come with healthy teeth and gums and put a smile on their face.”

President of the BDSHT, Diane Rochford, added: “On behalf of the BSDHT I’d like to thank GSK for their generous donation. These toothpaste samples will make a huge difference to those in need and reinforce the fact that these items are a necessity, not just a luxury for those more fortunate.”

Of course, the donation would not have been possible if it weren’t for GSK, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “We are really pleased to help support the communities of Greater Manchester with this toothpaste donation, in a year where there have been significant limitations to dental service delivery.”

The Oral Health Foundation would also like to extend a special thanks to Singletons Transport who kindly offered their services for free to help deliver the toothpastes.

As commented on earlier, this year has indeed provided a number of challenges for the dental profession and the public alike. The Oral Health Foundation is committed to supporting the public with their oral health during this difficult time which is why we continue to run our Dental Helpline. The Helpline has helped hundreds of thousands of callers with their oral health problems and queries. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and can be reached on 01788 539780.

For more information about the Dental Helpline as well as the Oral Health Foundation’s wider activities head to www.dentalhealth.org.

Oral Health Foundation and LISTERINE® release new professional’s guide to mouthwash

The Oral Health Foundation has partnered with Johnson & Johnson, the makers of LISTERINE®, to create and publish ‘The Dental Professional’s Guide to Mouthwash Use’.1

The new six-page guide has been created as a plaque management tool for you to help patients take control of their own oral health at home.

The booklet covers the role of mouthwash as part of the daily oral health routine, as well as recommendations for mouthwash use based on the latest available evidence.

According to recent research by the Oral Health Foundation, almost half (49%) of the survey participants do not use mouthwash regularly while more than one in three (36%) never use it.2

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation believes mouthwash can be a key component of daily oral hygiene yet has been lost amongst the general public.

Dr Carter says: “A patient’s home routine is fundamentally linked to their oral health status.  The key to developing and maintaining good oral health is effective daily plaque removal that can be independently achieved by the patient.

“While mechanical cleaning dislodges plaque bacteria, data suggests that this is not enough in a majority of people to maintain good levels of oral health.  Therefore, as an addition to brushing and interdental cleaning, we would recommend the use of an effective antimicrobial mouthwash.”

The toolkit also has advice about changing patient behaviour, to increase their probability of adopting daily mouthwash use at home.

It also includes information about the different types of mouthwash available and its role within plaque management.

The Dental Professional’s Guide to Mouthwash Use can be downloaded from the charity’s website while a physical copy of the guide is being included as part of December’s edition of The Probe.

REFERENCES

1. ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION and LISTERINE® (2020) ‘The Dental Professional’s Guide to Mouthwash Use’, online at https://www.dentalhealth.org/the-dental-professionals-guide-to-mouthwash-use. Accessed on November 2020.

 2. ORAL HEALTH FOUNDATION (2020) ‘National Smile Month 2020 Survey’, Total of 2002 partcipiants, UK, April 2020.

Mouth cancer referrals plummet by a third since start of pandemic

The Oral Health Foundation is calling for urgent action around cancer diagnosis, following new data that shows mouth cancer referrals have fallen by a third (33%) since the beginning of the pandemic. 

New figures collected from seven NHS Trust Hospitals across the UK, reveals the number of people being referred for possible mouth cancer fell from 2,257 in the six months prior to March 2020, to 1,506 in the six months after March 2020.

In total, six out of the seven NHS Trusts saw mouth cancer referrals tumble during this time, with two hospitals in Wales recording a 47% drop in referrals – the most in the UK.

In Northern Ireland, mouth cancer referrals have fallen by 36% since the beginning of the pandemic while England and Scotland have seen decreases of 31% and 30%, respectively.

Many mouth cancers are spotted in the early stages by a dentist during a routine check-up.  With Covid-19 limiting dental practice activity to 20% of normal activity, the Oral Health Foundation is deeply concerned that many people with early stages of mouth cancer are going undiagnosed.

In the absence of seeing health professionals face-to-face, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation highlights the importance of self-checks at home and knowing how to spot mouth cancer in the early stages.

Dr Carter says: “Regular dental check-ups and GP appointments are the main routes for identifying the early stages of mouth cancer.  We fear that without access to dental and wider health professionals, that many mouth cancer cases will go undiagnosed.

“A person’s quality of life after being treated for mouth cancer, as well as their chances of beating the disease, is highly dependent on the time of diagnosis.  By allowing so many potential mouth cancers to go untreated, there is a real danger of more people losing their life to the disease.

“While dental and GP visits remain disrupted it is important that everybody knows how to check themselves for mouth cancer. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your dental practice, who will be able to see you as an emergency patient.”

Mouth cancer can appear on the tongue, tonsils, gums and lips.  It can also be found on the roof and floor of the mouth, as well as the head and neck.

Mouth ulcers lasting three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, or unusual lumps and swellings, are the typically early warning signs.  Persistent hoarseness can also be a symptom.

Covid-19 has had a significant impact on dental access in the UK.  Research by the Oral Health Foundation shows that more than half (56%) of UK adults claim to have had dental check-ups postponed or cancelled.

During this time, one-in-six (16%) have experienced at least one of the potential early warning signs of the disease.

Meanwhile, the British Dental Association estimate a 10 million backlog of appointments due to dental practices being forced to shut down during the pandemic.

Dr Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, believes it is crucial that dental practices remain open during the remainder of the pandemic.

Dr Rutland says: “Dentists continue to play a vital role in identifying mouth cancer at routine check-ups.  However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, access to dentistry was severely curtailed and opportunities to catch mouth cancer early will have been missed. If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good.

“The Foundation’s recent research has revealed that nearly four in 10 people reported encountering an issue and being unable to see or get advice from their dentist because of the current limited access to dentistry caused by the pandemic.  Keeping practices open from now on is vitally important to help ensure the early detection of mouth cancer. It could save thousands of lives.”

Stuart Caplan was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2012.  The husband and father-of-one from Marble Arch, lost two-thirds of his tongue to the disease but says acting quickly was key for him beating the disease.

Stuart says: “Mouth cancer is a hidden cancer, unlike a lot of cancers where there are obvious symptoms.  People think ‘oh it’s only a mouth ulcer, it’ll pass’.  It’s easy to just put a mouth ulcer treatment on and ignore it, and without visiting a dentist regularly it’s likely to get missed.

“If it’s not normal for you, get it checked immediately, especially you have had something for a few weeks. Cancer symptoms don’t go away. That’s the litmus test.  Go and see a dentist or hygienist.”

Figures collected by the Oral Health Foundation show that 8,722 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease last year, increasing by 97% since 2000.

Mouth cancer cases in the UK have soared for the 11th year in a row and have more than doubled within the last generation.

It is also vital that government issues updated advice about fallow periods for dental practices. Some practices are still working to the original one-hour fallow period, while others have reduced their time between patients.  More frequent communication and direction is needed.

References: 

  • Oral Health Foundation (2020) ‘State of Mouth Cancer UK Report 2020/21’ Published November 2020, online at www.mouthcancer.org.
  • Mouth cancer referral data was collected from; NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Bwrdd Lechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan, NHS Birmingham Community Healthcare Foundation Trust, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, NHS Wye Valley NHS Trust, and NHS South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.

Know the dangers and reduce your risk: charity reveals leading causes of mouth cancer

The Oral Health Foundation is urging Brits to recognise and act on things that increase their chances of developing mouth cancer, as new research reveals awareness of the most common risk factors is worryingly low.

The call to action comes as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month and coincides with a nationwide poll into how much UK adults know about a disease which has increased by more than 58% in the last decade.

The charity is particularly concerned by the report’s finding into smokers and those who drink over the government’s 14 units of alcohol per week – two of the most high-risk mouth cancer groups.

Less than half of excessive drinkers (46%) know alcohol is a risk factor for mouth cancer while just over half (54%) of smokers know smoking is a risk factor for mouth cancer.

One of the other leading causes of mouth cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through oral sex, was known to only 16% of the population.

Here are the main causes of mouth cancer and what you can do to help reduce your risk.

Smoking

Around two-in-three mouth cancers are directly caused by smoking.  The risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer for a smoker is almost double (91%) that of somebody who has never smoked.  Cigars, pipes and environment tobacco smoke are also commonly linked to the disease.

Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “Smoking has long been associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer and has historically been one of the disease’s leading risk factors.

“The good news is that far less people are smoking today, which will certain have a positive effect on the number of cases in the future.  People who quit smoking reduce their risk with each year that passes, until their chances of being diagnosed with the disease is no greater than that of somebody who has never smoked.  Lowering your mouth cancer risk is just one of the many health benefits linked with quitting smoking.”

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol to excess is responsible for around a third of all mouth cancers. Those who drink between 1.5 and 6 units of alcohol a day could be increasing the risk of mouth cancer by 81%.  Mouth cancer is 2.5 times higher in regular drinkers than non-and occasional drinkers, and for those who heavily drink alcohol and also smoke, the risk increases by 30 times.

Dr Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, adds: “Certain lifestyle habits unfortunately do increase the risk of mouth cancer and this year sadly these habits for some people are likely to have increased during lockdown. Most lesions, in the region of 75% are linked to the use of tobacco or alcohol.

“As a general rule, the recommended government advice is you should try to reduce your alcohol intake to a maximum of 14 units per week applicable for men and women (equivalent to 2-3 units per day).  Avoid using tobacco in any form and try to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day as the antioxidants in these also help protect against many other cancers.”

The human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) type-16 and 18 are linked to around three-in-four (73%) throat cancers and more than one-in-ten (12%) mouth cancers.  The risk of HPV mouth cancer is higher in those with more sexual partners, people who started having sex at a younger age, and men who have ever had sexual contact with men.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE adds: “Over recent years, many experts have pointed to HPV as the cause of the sustained rise in mouth cancer cases.  Because it is sexually transmitted, most people have the HPV virus, but for many it is entirely symptomless.  Other than having a vaccination, it is difficult to protect yourself from HPV cancers and diseases, so the best advice is just to understand your level of risk and be aware of any sudden chances to the mouth, head or neck.”

Chewing and smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco, such as betel quid (gutkha) or paan is known to increase mouth cancer risk by up to four-and-a-half times.  In the UK, it is often popular in South Asian communities and worryingly, more than one-in-five (23%) smokeless and chewing tobacco users are unaware their habits put them at risk.

Dr Rutland says: “It’s a common misconception that smokeless or chewing tobacco poses less of a mouth cancer risk.  That’s not true and the risk may be higher in females and for users of chewing types of smokeless tobacco.”

Diet

A diet low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of mouth cancer.  This could be due to a lack of vitamins and minerals, which is provided under a balanced diet. More than three-in-four (76%) people are unaware that diet might be a contributing factor to mouth cancer.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “A balanced diet containing fruit and vegetables is a well-known indicator for good nutrition and to maintain your physical health and overall wellbeing. We understand that diet also plays a role in the development of mouth cancer, so making sure you stick to your five-a-day is incredibly important.” 

Figures collected by the Oral Health Foundation show that 8,722 people in the UK were diagnosed with the disease last year, increasing by 97% since 2000.

Mouth cancer cases in the UK have soared for the 11th year in a row and have more than doubled within the last generation, while the disease claimed the lives of 2,702 Brits last year.

For more information about mouth cancer, including how to do a self-check for the disease, visit www.mouthcancer.org.

‘Giving up wasn’t an option’ says wife and mother who battled mouth cancer

Sarah Davies (46) was set to celebrate her 40th birthday when her life took an unexpected turn that would change her life forever.

The wife and mother-of-one from Coventry began to feel some pain in the left side of her gum, just below one of her back teeth.  She thought it was just a mouth ulcer, but something was odd about it.

“At first, I didn’t think much of it and carried on with my everyday life,” Sarah says.

“It didn’t feel like a normal mouth ulcer though, sometimes it would send a feeling like an electric shock through the left side of my face.”

One month later, when the pain and inflammation did not go away, Sarah booked an appointment with her dentist.

The dentist treated the tooth above the inflammation with a filling.  When the problem continued, Sarah visited another dentist who suspected it was sinusitis.

It would be another nine months, after several dental visits and a last-ditch trip to A&E, that Sarah was finally given the diagnosis of mouth cancer.

Sarah says: “The doctor told me that they had results from my biopsy back and they had found malignant cells.  From what they could tell, the tumour was 20mm long and was squished up against the gum.”

Despite several knock-backs, Sarah’s persistence meant that she was able to catch her cancer in the early stages.

This gave Sarah the very best chance of beating the disease.

Sarah received both radiotherapy and chemotherapy and was given the all clear five years ago.

Despite surviving mouth cancer, Sarah continues to live with the after effects that impact her life to this day.

Sarah adds: “Following my treatment, I developed trismus, also called lockjaw, which has impacted my life dramatically.  I am only able to open my jaw a matter of millimetres so eating with a knife and fork is tricky and it takes me a long time to eat my meals.

“When going out with friends and family I usually order kids meals so that people aren’t waiting around for too long and if I want a drink, I have to do it through a straw.”

As is common with many mouth cancer survivors, Sarah’s taste buds and salivary glands were also affected, taking some of the joy out of eating and making swallowing more difficult.

Despite the setbacks Sarah has always kept a positive attitude.  She admits to still having her down days when she feels frustrated or depressed but her friends, family as well as support from Macmillan nurses keep her going.

Sarah adds: “Some friends have commented that I’m amazing for having the attitude that I have but I don’t think of myself that way.  When you’re dealt something, you’ve got to face it.  I’ve got an incredible family and friends who’ve supported me through it all.

“The way I look at it is that you’ve got two choices; do what has to be done or give up. Giving up isn’t an option.”

Sarah is sharing her journey to raise awareness during November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

The charity campaign, run by the Oral Health Foundation, hopes to encourage more people to be mouthaware by being able to recognise the early signs and symptoms associated with mouth cancer.

Mouth cancer can appear as a long-lasting mouth ulcer that does not go away for three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth, or any lumps and swellings in the head or neck.  

During Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Oral Health Foundation and Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, have come together to raise awareness of the disease so that more people can beat it like Sarah.

Sarah admits that her knowledge of mouth cancer was poor before her diagnosis and hopes to inspire more people to learn about the disease, so they can spot it early.

Sarah says: “I didn’t really know about mouth cancer until I had it.  Then I started to look into it and realised just how many people it does impact. I will do anything to help make more people aware because the sooner mouth cancer is treated, the better your chances.

“If you think something isn’t right in your mouth then go and get it checked out.  It probably is nothing to worry about but it’s important you don’t ignore it.  I would also say that if you aren’t satisfied with the diagnosis you receive then go get a second opinion from another dentist or doctor.”

Catherine Rutland, Clinical Director at Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, agrees and also notes how catching mouth cancer early can greatly increase your chances of survival and a better quality of life.

Dr Rutland says: “If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good.  Around 2,702 people in the United Kingdom lose their life to mouth cancer every year.  That’s seven people every day. It is widely recognised that many of these deaths could be prevented by early diagnosis. Early detection is by far the most important factor, as the stage at which mouth cancer is diagnosed has the most significant effect on overall survival as mouth (and throat) cancer can grow very quickly.

“Encouraging patients to attend regular dental examinations, carry out self-checks, and become familiar with the normal state of their mouth (and head and neck) is very important. To help raise patient awareness of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, the Oral Health Foundation have developed a range of excellent patient education resources available on their website.”

Most mouth cancer appear on the tongue or tonsils, but it can also occur on the lips, gums, roof and floor of the mouth.

Last year, new mouth cancer cases in the UK reached a record high of 8,722 – an increase of 97% compared to 20 years ago.

The key to beating mouth cancer is spotting it early.  If you notice any of the symptoms associated with mouth cancer, visit a dentist or doctor immediately.

For more information about mouth cancer, including how to do a self-check for the disease, visit www.mouthcancer.org.

New data reveals most people do not know the symptoms associated with mouth cancer despite record number of cases

Cases of mouth cancer in the United Kingdom have nearly doubled in the last 20 years, yet an alarming number are unable to identify the early warning signs and symptoms. Last year, more than 8,700 British adults were given the news that they had mouth cancer.  The disease is diagnosed on one person nearly every hour.

New research by the Oral Health Foundation as part of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month reveals that seven-in-ten (71%) do not know the symptoms of mouth cancer.

Further findings show more than four-in-five (83%) do not feel confident in what they are looking for when it comes to doing a mouth cancer check at home while around two-in-three (62%) confess to never checking themselves for signs of the disease.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, believes with the number of cases on the rise, it is important for everybody to know how to spot the early signs of mouth cancer and know how to perform a simple self-check.

Dr Carter says: “In the UK, and around the world, the number of people affected by mouth cancer continues to grow at an astonishing rate.  Anybody is at risk of mouth cancer, and with limited  access to dentistry at the moment, it is more important than ever for people to be vigilant. That’s why it is so important to know how and where mouth cancer can strike.

“Look for mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck.

“Most mouth cancers appear on the tongue – around a third of all cases – but it can also strike on the tonsils, gums and lips.  It can also be found on the roof or floor of the mouth, as well as the throat.”

The new research shows that around one-in-two (52%) are aware that long lasting mouth ulcers could be a sign of mouth cancer while fewer know that red patches (41%) and white patches (48%) could be a symptom. Similarly, less than half (47%) identify lumps or swellings in the mouth, head or neck as a potential sign of mouth cancer, and even less (23%) know that persistent hoarseness might be a link.

The research has been published to coincide 20 years of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

The last two decades have painted a bleak picture for mouth cancer numbers in the UK.  New annual cases have soared by 97% since the year 2000, while those losing their life to the disease have increased by 48% in the last decade.  

For the last 20 years, the Oral Health Foundation has received support for the campaign from Denplan, part of Simplyhealth.  The partnerships between the two mouth cancer campaigners bids to turn the tide against the disease and create a more mouthaware population.

Catherine Rutland, Head Dental Officer of Denplan, part of Simplyhealth, highlights that conducting a potentially life-saving mouth cancer check is easy and can take as little as 45 seconds.

Dr Rutland says: “By spotting mouth cancer early, patients have a much better chance of beating it. With early diagnosis, the chances of surviving mouth cancer are nine out of ten and that’s why knowing what to look out for is so important. 

“A simple self-examination should involve checking your cheeks, gums, lips, tongues and tonsils. Also check the floor and roof of the mouth, as well as your head and neck. You should be looking for mouth ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth or unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth, head and neck.

“Mouth Cancer Action Month is the perfect opportunity to become mouthaware by learning the risks and early signs of mouth cancer. It is also important that we not only recognise, but act on unusual changes in the mouth.  If you notice anything out of the ordinary, get checked out by your dentist or doctor.”

For more information about mouth cancer, including how to do a self-check for the disease, visit www.mouthcancer.org.

The Oral Health Foundation pays tribute to Janet Goodwin, former charity President and oral health champion

Earlier this week we received the tragically sad news that Janet Goodwin, former President of the Oral Health Foundation, passed away from cancer.

A trustee for the best part of a decade, Janet became the first dental nurse to be elected President of the Oral Health Foundation in the charity’s nearly 50-year history.

During her time at the Oral Health Foundation, Janet played an influential role in helping steer the trustees to make informed decisions about the direction and future of the charity.  She believed strongly in improving people’s experiences, information and knowledge of dental health and best practices.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation considers Janet as a true ambassador for oral health and believes she leaves behind a lasting legacy for the Oral Health Foundation.

Dr Carter says: “Janet will be sorely missed by many, including myself.  She was not only a highly respected colleague but also a much-loved friend.

“Her unique and vibrant personality allowed Janet connect with people from all areas and walks of life.  We feel incredibly proud to have had Janet represent our charity for so long, and the people we are able to help today can be attributed to her guidance and vision. 

“During her time with our charity, Janet transformed the Board of Trustees by recruiting a wonderful group of people with forward-thinking approaches to oral health promotion, education and prevention. This will leave our charity in good stead for many years and we will also look back at her time with us with a great fondness and gratitude.”

For many people associated with the Oral Health Foundation, their last memories of Janet were her retirement party in December 2019.  The evening was filled with fun and laughter as the team went ten-pin bowling.

Current President of the charity, Dr Ben Atkins, worked alongside Janet for many years.

Dr Atkins added: “The news has been really difficult to digest. Janet was such a wonderful person to be around and was always there to support me.

“She always spoke with positivity and kind words, and a balance of frank talking which I truly respected.”

Janet began working in dentistry in 1971, and worked in general practice, community, dental hospitals and further education.

An influential figure within oral health, Janet held roles at Leeds Dental Hospital, The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses, The Faculty of General Dental Practice and the General Dental Council.

Oral Health Foundation teams with the French Dental Association and Unilever to launch Covid-19: Practical Guide

To assist to resumption of dental services, the Oral Health Foundation has joined with the French Dental Association and Unilever to release some simple and easy-to-follow recommendations. ‘Covid-19: Practical Guide’ is available to download here and is divided into five areas:

  • Organisation of the practice
  • Patients
  • Treatment
  • The provision of care
  • Bio cleaning and waste management

In addition, the Oral Health Foundation has produced further downloadable resources for dental practices that can be found at www.dentalhealth.org/coronavirus.