Maintaining the health of your mouth consists of more than regular brushing and flossing your teeth. While these are crucial habits, it is also essential to visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings. When you go to the office, it is also important that you are screened for oral cancer and other diseases in your mouth. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist talks about what we look for when you come in for a screening.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Unfortunately, oral cancer can affect anyone — regardless of age or overall health — so it is important to be examined for it regularly. Vigilance is key, and staying on top of it requires consistency in efforts to identify this disease. When you visit our office for your checkup, cleaning, or any other procedure you require, we will examine your oral cavity to see if there are any abnormalities. These frequently consist of sores, abrasions, discoloration, bleeding, and others. If we happen to notice any of these symptoms or anything else out of the ordinary, we will conduct an oral biopsy. This consists of taking a tissue sample from the affected area and sending it to a lab where they test it to see if cancer or another disease is present. If the results are positive, we will suggest immediate treatment and explain your options for care. If it is negative, we will continue to monitor the area every time you come back to our office.
Preventative Care Is Important
Along with oral cancer screenings, it is essential that you stay on top of your oral health. The process of brushing and flossing regularly as well as visiting your dentist for checkups and cleanings all fall into what is known as preventative dentistry. This area concerns itself with preventing ailments before they occur. Even in the event that something comes up, like gum diseases or tooth decay, practicing good regular care can help minimize damage. As more serious issues develop, they can often require costly, invasive procedures to remedy symptoms, so it is much better to take care of your mouth before anything pops up. Of course, not everything can be prevented, but it is always preferable to catch any issues sooner rather than later. We recommend you come in for an exam and cleaning every six months and that you brush twice a day.
Schedule An Appointment To Learn More About Oral Cancer
We take the care of our patients very seriously, and we are here to help at every turn. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500. We look forward to talking with you and helping ensure that your mouth remains as healthy as possible.
