Mouth Cancer Action Month

Every November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, a nationwide initiative backed by the Oral Health Foundation and designed to raise an understanding about the implications of mouth cancer and how we can all be more aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Mouth cancer is on the rise, with 8,302 new cases in the UK per year. In the last decade this figure has increase by a massive 49%.1

What are the risk factors?

While it is impossible to know what causes all mouth cancers, there are certain factors that are known to increase the risk, many of which are preventable lifestyle habits, including:

Smoking, chewing and smokeless tobacco – More than 60% of mouth cancers are linked to smoking

Excessive alcohol consumption – Alcohol is linked to 30% of mouth cancers, while smoking and drinking combined increases the risk of mouth cancer by 30 times

The HPV virus – already known as a major cause of cervical cancer, research shows HPV could soon rival smoking and drinking as a main cause of mouth cancer

Diet – an unhealthy diet lacking in vitamins and minerals has been linked to a third of mouth cancers.

In addition to these avoidable risk factors, a previous cancer history, or a family cancer history can also increase the risk of developing mouth cancer.

What are the signs?

The signs and symptoms to be aware of are:

Mouth ulcers that do not heal within three weeks

Red and white patches in the mouth

Any unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.

If you notice anything unusual, always consult your GP or dental practice for an urgent appointment.

During every dental check-up at Bamford Dental Practice we always carry out routine mouth cancer screening. This involves checking for the signs listed above by looking and feeling all of the soft tissues areas in and around the mouth, head, and neck areas. If you would like to know more about mouth cancer, please get in touch on 01433 651 270.

 

Reference

www.dentalhealth.org/stateofmouthcancer

Mr Desai – Thank You To All My Patients

Dear All

After 42 years and 10 months of working as a Dentist, of which the last 36 years and 9 months have been at BAMFORD DENTAL PRACTICE (BDP), I have decided to retire.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of treating many patients at BDP and I am pleased to say that in a number of cases it has definitely been a “family practice” as I have been involved in the care of 2-3 generations.  This has resulted in my seeing young children grow up, develop careers and then go on to have families of their own.

My sincerest thanks to you all for trusting me to look after your dental health for all or part of these years.  I am humbled and honoured that some of you continued to come to see me and travelled long distances after you had moved away from Rochdale.

It has been a privilege to have had your loyalty and I wish you all well for the future.

Some of you may remember the small terraced cottage on Bury Road where the original BDP started, and it is testament to the hard work and skill of all the staff past and present, of how well the Practice has developed since then.

I am sure that BDP will continue to look after your dental health in the same professional and friendly manner that I tried to do during my time here and I wish BDP every success as they continue to provide the practice of dentistry.

My sincerest thanks.

D K Desai

Addendum

I wish to say a personal thank you to you all for the many cards and presents that you have given me on my retirement and for all your handshakes, hugs and kisses.

I am humbled and honoured that you trusted me with your dental care during my 36 years and 9 months at Bamford Dental Practice, and I wish you all the very best for the future.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Dilip Desai

 

Coffee Morning for Mr Desai’s Patients

Fancy a brew? then take a pew

Mr Desai has cared for us all for many years, now he’s retiring we’ve all shed some tears

I have very big boots to fill, I’ll give you my all I promise I will

My name is Mr Hader, I aim to take your care further

I’m warm, friendly and informal, hey I’m a Dentist I don’t profess to be normal

I’m sure you’ve got a lot to ask, don’t worry I’m not going to hide behind a mask

I understand change is scary, so let’s not make it contrary

On Saturday 8th December let’s meet, I’ll tell you you’re in for a treat

I’ll be here to answer all of your questions, don’t worry sugar intake won’t be mentioned

So take a pew, and lets have that brew!

Mr Syed Hader

 

 

Welcome to Natalie & Francesca

Natalie Barry; GDC No. 268906

Natalie has been dental nursing for 4 years and qualified with a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds at the Manchester Dental School.  She has worked in both private and NHS Practices and hopes to receive further training in implant and orthodontic nursing.  In her spare time, Natalie likes to spend time with her nephews and nieces and socialise with the girls for the odd night out !

Francesca Whitworth; GDC No. 252788

Francesca studied Dental Nursing at Oldham College and gained a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 QCF City & Guilds in 2014.  During her spare time she likes to socialise with family and friends, attend the gym and spend time with her cat, Lola.

 

Competition Winner : Mary White

Question : “If a person suffers from gum disease can they with correct treatment and following advise from dentist become free of this problem?”

Answer : “Yes, if a patient suffering from gum disease is treated correctly and if the patient follows the guidance of dental care professionals they can be ‘free’ of this problem but will need lifelong maintenance and monitoring to make sure the patient does not relapse and if they do we can guide them and help them to control the disease and return to a maintenance phase”