Visit to dentist can prove a life-saver
If you have been putting off a visit to the dentist for a while, it’s time to get your mouth looked at for the sake of more than just your teeth
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NOBODY likes a trip to the dentist – but for thousands of people every year, grinning and bearing it can be the difference between life and death.
The dentist’s chair is often a source of fear and trepidation for many, the thought of the drill and a variety of sharp, cold implements being enough to trigger a severe bout of nervousness, or worse.
Taking a seat in the reclining chair, opening wide and letting the dentist loose on your teeth and gums can be uncomfortable, at best, but the benefits of a simple check-up can be life-changing.
If eating your favourite indulgence foods – from crunchy items such as pork scratchings to sticky sweets such as toffee – bring you more pain than pleasure, dental issues are likely to be at the heart of the problem.
Far more serious, though, are the life-threatening illnesses which can be detected by a dentist – oral cancer being the most damaging and prevalent risk.
In the UK, one person dies every five hours as a result of oral cancer and, in 2007, 1,851 people lost their lives – more than those affected by cervical and testicular cancers combined.
Statistics from Cancer Research UK show that 5,325 new cases were diagnosed in 2006. Less than half of sufferers live more than five years beyond diagnosis.
Warning signs to look out for include ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth.
About 70% of mouth cancers are detected at a late stage, seriously reducing chances of survival – early detection can transform survival odds in more than 90% cases.
For retired teacher Kathleen Mitchell, discovering a dentist who could allay her fears and settle her nerves proved to be decisive – within days, a lump at the front of her mouth was diagnosed as cancerous and vital treatment began.
Mrs Mitchell was introduced to Dr Alison Ross, founder and principal of Aberdeen practice Optimus Dentistry, by her mother, and as a result of her treatment there, has put aside all of her reservations about making an appointment.
“I hadn’t been to the dentist in what must have been 10 years – my fear was so great that I would literally make myself sick with worry just at the thought of it,” says Mrs Mitchell, of Westhill.
“My mother had read about Alison and told me about her ability to help her patients relax and feel comfortable about their treatment. This was something I had never really been able to do in the past, despite the obvious need to see a dentist regularly.
“As I had been a smoker, I had more to be afraid of than most about the condition of my teeth. I was aware of a lump in my mouth, and I guess, if I’m honest, it did cross my mind that it could be cancerous – but I didn’t take it seriously.
“Alison, on the other hand, was in no doubt and immediately referred me to a maxillofacial specialist during my first consultation.”
The care and attention taken, along with the efficiency of the diagnosis and resulting treatment she has received, has completely turned around Mrs Mitchell’s feelings about visiting the dentist.
“Alison was great. She made me feel completely at ease and I wasn’t afraid, despite the fact I hadn’t been to a dentist for quite some time.
“Nothing can prepare you for the news that you have cancer. I was really shaken by it. Thankfully, both Alison and my surgeon, Terry Lowe, acted with such speed that I was operated on within two weeks, so didn’t have time to dwell on it.
“I was fully informed about the operation procedure, which used laser treatment, meaning I didn’t need skin grafts. It all sounded so simple and straightforward that I was totally reassured about the surgery.
“I also had four teeth removed and had to receive food, liquid and medicines via a tube 22 hours a day for eight days following the operation. But there was no discomfort.”
Following her treatment, Mrs Mitchell is receiving continuing care through Optimus Dentistry and the surgeons supervising her recovery to track and evaluate her progress.
Throughout November, as part of Mouth Cancer Action Month, dentists around the country are offering free check-ups to patients, as well as those without a practitioner, to encourage more people to prioritise their dental health.
Alison Ross and her colleagues at the privately run Optimus Dentistry are already offering free consultations and hope to welcome more patients – particularly those not registered with a dentist.
“So many people have a very deep-seated fear of the dentist,” says Alison.
“One of the most important parts of my work is to help patients to feel confident that they are getting not only the best treatment, but that they are comfortable while that happens.
“My main concern at all times is their wellbeing, and that includes the way they feel about the whole process. Helping allay their fears can, hopefully, bring someone closer to the treatment they need – as happened with Kathleen.
“For her, visiting the dentist was a traumatic enough experience to put her off visiting her practice for many years, and many more will be in a similar situation.”
The practice has transformed part of a historic former church building at 116 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen, with Alison ensuring that the latest dental-examination and hygiene technology is at the core of every appointment.
Optimus Dentistry’s suite of facilities includes high-resolution video cameras and special monitors which allow patients to see every step of their examination, as it happens, in comfort.
Kathleen Mitchell hopes her story is enough to convince others with a dental phobia to set aside their fears.
“After all I’ve been through, I am no longer afraid of going to the dentist,” she says.
“My condition will continue to be monitored over the next five years to ensure the cancer is clear.
“At the same time, I continue to see Alison regularly to ensure my teeth and gums are in the best condition possible. The care and time she spends with me is very reassuring. I am so grateful for her diligence.
“Anyone with any doubts should not delay in going to a dentist to get checked out. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chances are that you can be successfully treated.”
For further information on Optimus Dentistry, visit www.optimusdentistry.com, or call 01224 650320.
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