Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an oral cancer screening. Here are a few more things to know about mouth cancer checks.
A family dentist can perform an oral cancer examination to look for indications of cancer or precancerous conditions within the mouth. These examinations aim to identify any abnormal growth early to increase the chance for successful treatment.
High-risk individuals are more likely to benefit from frequent oral cancer screenings. Risk factors that often contribute to developing this condition include:
Since mouth cancer falls under the umbrella of head and neck cancers, signs of the disease may appear in many places on or near the mouth. This cancer often occurs on the gums, lips, tongue, lining of the cheeks, or roof of the mouth. Mouth pain or an abnormal growth can indicate oral cancer, and additional symptoms include ear pain, difficulty swallowing, or loose teeth. Patients should make an appointment with a dentist or doctor if any symptoms last longer than two weeks.
Although there is no proven way to prevent oral cancer, scheduling a screening or consistently visiting a family dentist for routine exams can help diagnose it more quickly. Patients may reduce anxiety about a screening exam by knowing what to expect.
Some dentists may use additional tests in conjunction with a routine exam to identify mouth cancer properly. Conducting an oral cancer screening dye test is one way many dentists can recognize abnormal cells within the mouth. Additionally, an oral cancer screening light test helps dentists discern healthy dark tissue from abnormal white tissue within the mouth.
When signs of oral cancer are present, often dentists will schedule an additional follow-up visit within three to four weeks to verify the problem area is still there or observe any growth or changes. During this visit, a dentist or doctor may also conduct a biopsy or sample of cells from the mouth to determine if any cancerous cells exist. Sometimes results are readily available, but more frequently patients may not get test results for several days after the initial procedure.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist Oral Cancer Screening in Coconut Grove, FL
Maintaining consistent oral cleanings can allow a family dentist to identify any problem areas within the mouth before they become worse. However, if patients have any concerns before a routine check-up, it may be wise to schedule an additional appointment. An oral cancer screening can pinpoint if any other treatment is necessary and help individuals on the way to recovery.
Request an appointment or call Smile at Coconut Grove at 305-423-4661 for an appointment in our Coconut Grove office.
A family dentist plays a key role in the oral health of patients both young and old. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one in five children between the ages of 5 and 11 have untreated cavities. There is more access to dental care than ever before, but many parents struggle with establishing…
For many people, a family dentist is the right choice for routine dental care. While this type of practice is usually equipped to handle the specific needs of pediatric patients, it is still able to provide thorough care for adults as well. Family dentists typically offer a wide variety of services in one location and…
Whether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as…
If your wisdom teeth have begun to emerge, it is time to speak to your dentist. When these teeth are impacted, they can have some serious effects on your oral health. It is important for you to understand the risks these teeth pose and the steps you should take. Your dentist can walk you through…
If you are thinking about wisdom teeth extraction, now might be the right time for this procedure. These third molars can create problems in the mouth, both cosmetically and for your health. It is often more sensible to take out the teeth before they ever emerge. Doing so can help you avoid many of the…