A general dentist can play a critical role in your oral health. You probably think of routine wellness checkups and cavity fillings when you consider what a dentist does. However, this professional can diagnose even more concerning conditions, such as oral cancer. If you are worried about having any of these issues, you can visit your dentist to get answers.
Cancer can grow just about anywhere in the body. It manifests by appearing as abnormal growths. The mouth is not immune to this disease. Oral cancer shows up in the form of growths or sores. These do not go away with routine treatment like with cankers or cold sores. Cancer can show up on a patient’s tongue, lips, throat, soft or hard palate or the roof of the mouth.
The sores can be red, white or speckled patches. The sores can also start to bleed or cause a loss of feeling in the mouth. Untreated, the cancer can make it difficult to chew, swallow or speak. The general dentist eventually may have to remove part of the mouth in order to get rid of the growth.
Like other types of cancer, oral cancer can grow in people who use tobacco. Cigarette smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco increase a person’s chances of getting the disease. Other factors include family history and exposure to the sun. Alcohol drinkers also stand a higher probability of getting oral cancer.
The dentist may spot oral cancer while conducting a semiannual exam. Other patients may notice the signs themselves and inform the dentist. The general dentist will feel for lumps or abnormally large tissue in and around the person’s mouth, neck, head and face. This exam includes looking for sores or discoloration in these areas. If the dentist identifies a concerning area, a biopsy may be necessary. The dentist will take a piece of the affected area and test it for cancer.
If the general dentist finds that the sores and growths are cancerous, treatment should start promptly. The dentist will work with other health care professionals to form an appropriate plan to kill the cancer cells and restore health to the area. Radiation, surgery or chemotherapy may be the treatment of choice.
The general dentist will advise patients to avoid tobacco products and to limit the consumption of alcohol. The dentist will also encourage patients to do self-exams and to be on the lookout for possible cancerous growths. The dentist may also be more vigilant about checking for cancer in at-risk patients.
Your general dentist will keep a close eye on your mouth for problematic issues. At your next exam, make sure your dentist checks for oral cancer. If you have any concerns about things you are seeing in your mouth, call the dentist’s office right away and schedule an appointment. The faster you can spot and treat cancer, the higher chance you have of recovering.
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.
Visiting the dentist can be daunting for many, especially if the thought of dental procedures triggers pain or anxiety. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers a solution that addresses these concerns head-on – dental anesthetics. At St. George Dental Care, we prioritize patient comfort, leveraging advanced techniques and tools to ensure a comfortable, pain-free experience. Led by…
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining it can significantly impact your confidence and overall well-being. When it comes to improving or restoring dental health, two popular options often come into consideration: veneers vs dentures. But which is right for you?At St. George Dental Care, we believe in empowering our patients…
A damaged or decayed tooth can impact your smile, confidence, and oral health. Fortunately, dental advancements such as permanent crowns provide practical solutions to restore both function and appearance. For residents in St. George, Utah, St. George Dental Care offers professional and dependable care for all your crown needs. This blog will cover everything you…
When it comes to oral health, wisdom teeth regularly make their way into conversations about the problems they often create. But one question that's frequently asked and not as widely discussed is this: can wisdom teeth cause a sore throat? The short answer is yes, they can—but it's not a common symptom. At St. George…
Visiting the dentist can be daunting for many, especially if the thought of dental procedures…
Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining it can significantly impact…
A damaged or decayed tooth can impact your smile, confidence, and oral health. Fortunately, dental…
When it comes to oral health, wisdom teeth regularly make their way into conversations about…
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today, offering a simple…
A bright, confident smile can leave a lasting impression—but stained or discolored teeth can often…