AN Alton dentist is urging patients to register for NHS treatment after research revealed an 88 per cent jump in cases of mouth cancer and a link between gum disease and breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

According to mydentist, on Lenten Street, Alton, Cancer Research figures show cases of mouth cancer have jumped by a third in men and women over the last decade, and by 88 per cent since the 1970s, while a study of 70,000 post-menopausal women over seven years revealed those with gum disease were 14 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Karen Turner, a mydentist director, said: “The more we learn about the links between good oral health and how it can impact on your health generally the more important we feel it is to encourage people to take advantage of NHS dental treatment.

“We are not just here to help patients when they’re in pain, our dentists are able to spot the early signs of mouth cancer and help patients who are suffering from gum disease minimise the impact of the condition.

“We would encourage anyone in Alton who hasn’t been to the dentist for a while to get in touch and book an NHS check-up that costs just £18.50.”

Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth and start as a painless mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal as you would expect it or a white or red patch. It can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist and the earlier it is detected the better your chance of a cure.

Gum disease is inflammation of the gums that can be spotted if you see blood on your toothbrush or in the water when you rinse, or if you have persistent bad breath.

Researchers believe gum disease could link to breast cancer because it indicates systemic inflammation in the rest of the body that has originated in the gums, which, when damaged can act as a gateway for bacteria in the mouth to enter the circulatory system.

Inflammation is linked to a number of cancers and stroke and heart disease and it is estimated it affects half of all adults in the UK.

André Jooste, practice manager at mydentist in Farnham’s East Street, said: “We see the impact on patients’ teeth if they don’t visit the dentist regularly and we have NHS places available so there is no reason for people in the town not to receive regular treatment.

“I think people have a perception of the dentist’s surgery as being a cold sterile place smelling of disinfectant. This is no longer the case.

“Our practice is professional and friendly, our waiting room is decorated in warm greys and teal greens and is scented with jasmine to put people at ease when they visit us. Our dentists and nurses also specialise in dealing with nervous patients. So there is no reason to delay a check-up.”

Patients can find their nearest practice at mydentist.co.uk and call or use online booking to make an appointment.

The mydentist practice in Lenten Street, Alton, currently has NHS places available.