Family Dentist

How a Family Dentist Checks for Oral Cancer at a Dental Check-Up

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.

Oral cancer checks

There are several steps a dentist takes to check different surfaces of the mouth for potential signs of cancer.

Visual inspection

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:

  • Ulcers or mouth sores that are reoccurring or will not heal
  • Lumps or unusual bumps
  • Red, white, or gray spots
  • Rough patches

Physical symptoms

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.

Risk factors

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.

Additional tests

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.

Conclusion

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.

Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

10 Dentist-Approved Soft Foods To Eat After A Tooth Filling

Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure that helps restore damaged teeth and prevent further decay. After your appointment, your dentist will likely recommend eating soft foods to avoid discomfort and protect your new filling while it sets properly.Choosing the right soft foods to eat after tooth filling can make your recovery more…

The Key Difference Between Tartar And Plaque: How To Spot And Prevent Both

Most people brush their teeth twice daily and consider their oral hygiene complete. However, two common dental threats silently develop in your mouth every day: plaque and tartar. Understanding the difference between tartar and plaque is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing serious dental problems.Both pose significant risks to your teeth and gums.…

Exploring The Dangers Of Dental Crowns And How To Avoid Them

Dental crowns serve as protective caps that restore damaged teeth to their natural function and appearance. While these restorative treatments help millions of people maintain healthy smiles, some patients worry about potential risks. Understanding the dangers of dental crowns and how to prevent them can help you make informed decisions about your oral health.At St.…

Understanding The Cost For A Crown: What’s The Average Price & What Affects It?

When your dentist mentions that you need a dental crown, one of the first questions that comes to mind is likely about cost. Understanding the average crown cost can help you budget for this important dental treatment and make informed decisions about your oral health care. At St. George Dental Care in Southern Utah, we…

St. George Dental Care

Share
Published by
St. George Dental Care

Recent Posts

10 Dentist-Approved Soft Foods to Eat After a Tooth Filling

Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure that helps restore damaged teeth and…

2 days ago

The Key Difference Between Tartar and Plaque: How to Spot and Prevent Both

Most people brush their teeth twice daily and consider their oral hygiene complete. However, two…

1 week ago

Exploring the Dangers of Dental Crowns and How to Avoid Them

Dental crowns serve as protective caps that restore damaged teeth to their natural function and…

2 weeks ago

Understanding the Cost for a Crown: What’s the Average Price & What Affects It?

When your dentist mentions that you need a dental crown, one of the first questions…

2 weeks ago

The Best Vitamins for Strong Teeth and Healthy Gums: What You Should Be Taking Daily

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets. Strong teeth and healthy gums form…

3 weeks ago

Signs of Tooth Decay Under Crown and What to Do

Dental crowns protect damaged teeth effectively. However, they can still develop problems. One concerning issue…

1 month ago