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.drericjohnson.com or call Dr. Eric Johnson at (949) 205-1139 for an appointment in our San Clemente office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Preventative Dental Care in San Clemente, CA.
Preventative dental care is an effective way to help reduce the risk of oral health conditions. Preventive dental care includes regular checkups, brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. These tasks can be time-consuming and seem trivial, but they are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends…
Preventive dentistry involves using the right products. This includes selecting the right toothpaste. There is a type of toothpaste for every person. If you want to enhance your preventive dentistry brushing strategy, here are some tips on choosing the right toothpaste.The attending dentist will be the judge of the most suitable toothpaste. The dentist knows…
Preventive dentistry is for anyone interested in protecting their long-term dental and overall health. It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on treatments that help keep teeth healthy, such as teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Preventive dentistry also includes simple things that you can do on your own to keep your teeth…
A root canal treatment can restore your tooth. It is an invasive treatment that aims to remove the damaged or infected pulp. But what should you do after this outpatient procedure? Here are the details on what will happen after a root canal.The dentist will suggest waiting until the effects of the anesthesia fade before…
Tooth loss affects appearance and the ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. Fortunately, implant-supported dentures can replace multiple teeth with a natural look and feel. This advanced tooth replacement is also known for its durability, stability, and ability to prevent jawbone loss. A general dentist trained in implant dentistry can help patients understand…
A root canal is a common procedure a general dentist with endodontic training performs to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. However, when faced with deciding between a root canal and tooth extraction, many patients are uncertain about which option is most suitable for their oral health. Both treatments have pros…