Many people are aware that a family dentist is skilled at examining the mouth for signs of common dental problems such as tooth disease and gum disease, but something not everyone knows is that an oral cancer screening is a vital part of most dental check-ups. Since early detection has one of the largest impacts on a patient’s outcome if oral cancer is diagnosed, most dentists include a visual exam of the mouth tissues during routine appointments. In addition, knowing what the dentist looks for during an examination and understanding what risk factors make a person more susceptible to this disease can help you continue to watch out for the warning signs between visits.
There are several steps a dentist takes to check different surfaces of the mouth for potential signs of cancer.
Cancerous tissue can be present on the gum, cheeks, lips, tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth, so a thorough examination of all these areas is necessary. The dentist may ask the patient to move the tongue or reposition the mouth to get a better view of all angles. When visually scanning the area, the dentist is looking for any abnormalities, which can include:
In addition to having strange lumps or spots appearing in the mouth, most patients report additional symptoms as well. The family dentist may inquire if any of the common signs of oral cancer are present. Common issues patients complain about include difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, numbness, and mouth or ear pain. Due to this discomfort and changes in the mouth, people may have difficulty speaking normally.
To better understand the patient’s medical history, the dentist may ask questions to determine if there are any risk factors to be aware of. This can include tobacco and alcohol use, a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables, excess sun exposure, being age 40 or older, and a diagnosis of human papillomavirus.
If any potential signs of oral cancer are discovered, the next step is to take a biopsy of the affected area. The dentist may ask to take a sample of the tissue to have it examined further. Additional appointments may be recommended to check on the area and to figure out the next steps in the process.
While good dental hygiene is a big factor that contributes to good overall oral health, a family dentist is concerned with more than just the cleanliness of the teeth. Looking for any irregular areas that could potentially be indicators of oral cancer is another way dentists work to keep the mouth in good condition. By detecting initial signs of cancer, a treatment plan can be developed early on to give the patient a greater chance of a full recovery.
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