Many people do not know that regular dental checkups are the most important preventive dentistry procedures against oral cancer. The dentist’s objective is to prevent and diagnose any issue as early as possible, when treatment is easier. Preventive dentistry is all about keeping the oral cavity healthy for a long time. Oral cancer screening is typically done during dental checkups to uncover any developing signs.
Oral cancer can occur in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tonsils, cheeks, tongue, gums, and salivary glands. Ulcers or sores that do not heal, discomfort, lumps, bumps, swelling, or red or white patches are all possible oral cancer symptoms. Some people may also experience numbness, unexplained bleeding, voice changes, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, and challenges with eating or swallowing.
There may be no symptoms in the early stages of oral cancer. That is why the dentist recommends regular dental examinations. The dental professional will analyze every area of the patient’s dental health during the appointments. When oral cancer is identified and treated early, there is a 90% chance of successful treatment.
During the screening, the dentist will search for symptoms of abnormal tissue. Typically, they will observe red and white pimples, hard lumps, rough patches, or changes in the placement of the teeth as obvious signs. A significant portion of the screening is done visually. While wearing gloves, the dentist will feel the patient’s cheeks and the insides of the mouth. This is done to see if there are any unusual or hard lumps inside this tissue.
Note that oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is necessary. Additional testing tools may be used when patients visit the dental office, and the dentist will be happy to discuss the procedure. The exam will be painless, and patients will be at ease throughout it.
The dentist will do an oral cancer screening during a standard dental visit to rule out any anomalies. This quick and straightforward checkup can be life-saving. If the dentist finds anything worrisome, they may suggest a soft tissue biopsy, which entails extracting a sample of cells to submit to a lab for analysis. Early detection of malignant and precancerous alterations makes treatment easier and increases the chances of a full recovery.
Patients need to reduce smoking and drink alcohol in moderation. It is necessary to note the importance of keeping up with regular dental checkups to keep oral health in excellent form.
To learn more about preventive dentistry, contact the dental office to schedule a consultation appointment with the dentist. An oral cancer screening might potentially save your life, even if you have no symptoms. A highly skilled and knowledgeable dentist can provide tips to keep your smile healthy for years to come. Make an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.guymangiadds.com or call Guy Mangia, DDS at (818) 940-0862 for an appointment in our Sherman Oaks office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in Sherman Oaks, CA.
Using preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy may be difficult at times. It feels better and costs less to practice prevention rather than get the cure. Many dental treatments for saving teeth are expensive and labor-intensive. Doing your part in preserving your teeth can also save your general health. If you want…
Preventive dentistry goes beyond undergoing dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. Read on to learn how preventive dentistry can protect against various oral health issues. You ensure a lifetime of good oral health and ultimately your general health if you keep those regular checkups. Preventive dental care checkups help you stay proactive in many…
Preventative dentistry involves you keeping your teeth and gums healthy by taking actions that will protect against dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel loss. Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common dental issues that people seek care for, yet both are preventable.Things like daily oral hygiene and teeth…
A dental cleaning is the perfect opportunity to catch up with your dentist. Yes really, catch up. Your average dentist loves it when their patients have healthy teeth that need little more than a light scrub. This is why preventative measures like routine checkups are so important.Patients with healthy teeth can spend the bulk of…