Oral cancer can be treated if detected early. Your dentist can provide a check-up during your regular dental appointments, however it’s recommended to also undergo a complete oral cancer screening every three to five years.
2. ORAL CANCER
ORAL CANCER
Oral cancer can be treated if
detected early. Your dentist can
provide a check-up during your
regular dental appointments,
however it’s recommended to also
undergo a complete oral cancer
screening every three to five years.
This is particularly important for
patients that have suffered cancer in
the past and for those aged 50 and
above who are at increased risk of
developing cancer. If you’re about to
undergo your first oral cancer
screening procedure, you likely want
to know more about the screening
process, so we’re offering our guide in
this latest post.
2
4. ▸ The oral cancer screening process will
include a physical inspection of your
cheeks and gums.
▸ Your dentist will be checking for
abnormalities that might indicate a
potential growth, such as lumps or
swelling.
4
6. ● The dentist will
then complete
an examination
of the floor of
your mouth and
tongue, as well
as the roof.
● They will be
looking for white
or red patches, or
any kind of or
abnormalities
such as sores or
lumps.
6
8. ● The dentist will then inspect the lymph
nodes for tenderness and swelling.
● This is a critical indicator that your
immune system is in reaction mode.
● Your dentist will also inspect the inside
and outside of your lips and your jaw
joint.
8
10. ● Once the dentist asks you to pull out your
tongue and say “ah,” they will be
inspecting the back of your mouth for
signs of swelling and discolouration
● This is an important part of the screening
process because many types of oral cancer
can begin in this otherwise hidden area of
the mouth
10
12. ● Your dentist will also conduct a visual
inspection of your face during the oral
cancer screening process.
● This process is designed to detect any
changes in the symmetry of your face
and to check for speech, swallowing and
breathing issues.
12
14. ● During the final part of the oral cancer
screening process, your dentist will discuss
your general day-to-day habits with you.
● They’ll ask you whether you’re getting the
required amount of exercise for optimal
health. They’ll also ask you about your
alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
● This will help guide their future screening
procedures and ensure you have the
information you need to make healthy
choices in the future.
14
