What Your Dentist Can Find By Looking In Your Mouth
April 8, 2018
When you visit your dentist in Saratoga Springs, NY, he or she will perform an oral examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. In addition to looking for general oral hygiene issues, such as cavities, plaque, abscessed teeth and gum disease, he or she will screen for oral cancer. As part of every check-up, Dr. Moskowitz, checks for the common signs and symptoms of cancer, since early detection is key.
What is It?
As its name implies, this type of cancer affects the mouth area. This includes your:
- Lips
- Cheek
- Tongue
- Palate
- Sinuses
- Throat
- Floor of the mouth
Oral Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, causing damage to the surrounding area. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can become life-threatening, especially if it spreads to other areas of the body. Most oral cancers initially appear as a sore or growth that does not go away despite treatment.
What Are the Symptoms?
When your dental professional screens for this type of oral cancer, he or she will look for the common signs and symptoms, including:
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lumps or bumps
- Unexplained swelling or thickening of the tissue
- Erosion in the gums or lips
- Unexplained bleeding
- Numbness or loss of feeling not attributed to another health issue
- Persistent sores
- Difficulty with moving, swallowing, chewing or speaking
- Chronic sore throat
- Change in your bite
- Pain in the ear
Although oral cancer in Saratoga Springs, NY can happen to anyone, those at the highest risk include men, especially those over the age of 50, as well as smoking and other tobacco use, excessive sun exposure, family history, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.
Schedule a Screening Today
Visiting your dentist in Saratoga Springs, NY not only supports your oral health, but it also has implications for your general health. Call us today at (518) 633-4446 or visit us online to schedule a screening with Dr. Moskowitz to look for issues such as gum disease and cavities as well as potential signs of oral cancer.