If a crowd of adults was asked why it is important to schedule regular dental check-ups, it would be reasonable to assume that almost everyone would mention something about cavities.
People typically associate dental check-ups with the infamous cavity, or prevention thereof.
And dentists would agree with that crowd of adults…cavity prevention is very important. Cavity prevention is the first line of defense against a lot of other nasty dental issues.
BUT, cavity prevention is not the only reason that you should keep your dental check-ups a routine thing. Not in the slightest.
Your dentist has a lot on his mind when you come in and sit back in his chair. He is thinking about things like gum disease, and root health, and…oral cancer.
Did you know that every time you visit your dentist, he is giving you a quick look-over for oral and throat cancer? The intense gaze that most assume is a search for cavities is actually a healthy inspection of all manner of potential issues. He has a lot on his mind as he peers into your mouth.
Your dentist’s experienced and professional assessment of your mouth and throat will determine whether you show any indication of oral or throat cancer. His review of your general oral history and palpation of the jaw and neck will also provide clues as to the amount of risk you may have for developing oral or throat cancer.
By maintaining your dental check-ups, suspicious changes or developments in your dental health will most likely be detected early by your dentist, ensuring you the best chance for treatment and recovery.
Along with your dentist’s careful and professional assessment, there are symptoms that you can be aware of as well. If any of these symptoms are persistent, get in touch with your dentist:
- a sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
- red or white patches
- pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
- a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
- a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
These are all symptoms that, if experienced over a lengthy amount of time, should be treated with concern.
Here at Montgomery Dentistry, we take your overall health very seriously. We are more than just a cavity prevention team, we are a concerned family of professionals determined to aid you in maintaining great oral and overall health.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, please call us at 334-279-0760.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer
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Dr. Jay L. Robertson
