Dental checks remain hugely important for OAPs

Denture wearers – and even those with no natural teeth left – are being reminded by our Liskeard dentists of the importance of attending the dentist regularly.

As we get older it can become more difficult to visit the dentist because of ill health, mobility issues, having to rely on lifts from other people and the worry of the visits themselves. But Chris Smirthwaite from The Smile Centre in Cornwall would like to stress the importance of visiting the dentist at least once a year, preferably twice.

Mouth cancer screening

During our dental health checks we carry out a mouth cancer screening. Mouth cancer is twice as common in men than women and 86% of cases are diagnosed in those aged over 50. Smokers and drinkers are particularly at risk.

Early detection of mouth cancer results in a survival outcome of 90%. However, delayed diagnosis means survival rates plummet to as little as 50%. Let us give you peace of mind by checking your mouth for the early signs of mouth cancer.

It is also important to clean and rinse your dentures twice a day and take them out at night. This helps to prevent substances known to cause mouth cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol, staying trapped under your dentures.

Dental practices have come a long way

Modern dental visits are nothing like they once were – and many practices don’t even smell like they used to! But we appreciate that anxiety has a lasting effect.

When we decorated The Smile Centre we paid lots of consideration to our patients’ wellbeing and made sure our practice is a calm, welcoming place that puts people immediately at ease.

What’s the point of hygiene?

We believe that dental hygiene is one of the most important services we offer! Dentists treat disease but hygienists help prevent it from starting in the first place. This is especially important as gum disease has been linked to many serious illnesses, including heart disease, bacterial lung infections, strokes, diabetes and dementia.

Our door is open to new patients of all ages from across Bodmin, Tavistock, Plymouth and Cornwall, so please feel free to pop into our lovely, welcoming practice in Church Street or contact us to chat through your dental needs.